Solskjaer: Premier League could become like rugby with approach to fouls

MANCHESTER United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said the Premier League might start to resemble rugby rather than football regarding fouls if referees continue to show leniency after his side drew 1-1 at Southampton on Sunday.

Solskjaer claimed that Bruno Fernandes was fouled by Saints’ Jack Stephens in the build-up to the home side’s opener in the first half, which was given as an own goal by Fred.

Mason Greenwood levelled for United after the break, although Southampton had the best opportunities to win.

“It’s a foul, he (Stephens) goes straight through Bruno, with his arm and his hip across him. We can’t go from one extreme of volleyball or basketball last season to rugby now,” Solskjaer told a news conference.

“I like the more lenient way – it’s more men’s football – but still, that’s a foul.”

Solskjaer’s comments come a day after Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp criticised the refereeing in his side’s 2-0 home win over Burnley, likening Sean Dyche’s team’s physical play to wrestling.

Officials in England’s top-flight have been encouraged to have a higher threshold for fouls this season, with referees’ chief Mike Riley saying earlier this month that the changes were designed to “allow the Premier League game to flow”.

“I thought it was a foul, but it’s the referee’s (Craig Pawson’s) decision at the end of the day, and we can’t dwell on it,” said United forward Greenwood.

“I understand they’re going to let more challenges go so the game keeps flowing, which is a good idea, but if there’s a foul, there’s a foul.”