West Ham's Nuno demands clarity on set-piece fouls amid rising Premier League grappling

Grappling in the penalty area during corners and throw-ins has emerged as a significant issue in the Premier League this season, with attackers often crowding goalkeepers and engaging in extended holding, grabbing, and blocking. Nuno, whose Hammers face set-piece specialists Brentford in the FA Cup on Monday, described the situation as affecting the flow and fairness of games.

"What the referee has now allowed, what's happening in the set-piece situation is, I'll say, almost crazy," Nuno told reporters. "I think they should come to the clubs and speak to the players, really explain what is a foul, what is a contact, how far can you go on this contact, because we are seeing things that are not normal."

Nuno revealed that he has already raised his concerns with Howard Webb, head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). He highlighted the impact on goalkeepers, saying the contacts now permitted make their jobs "very, very difficult."

"Many things are happening. They are changing the history of the games. Some of them are legal, some are OK, but most of them go much further than what is allowed in football. It's not only me; I think it goes through all the league."

The comments follow a broader wave of Premier League criticism over set-piece officiating. Earlier this month, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot said the focus on corners and throw-ins had made matches less enjoyable to watch, while Everton boss David Moyes labeled Arsenal as trailblazers in the use of so-called "dark arts" at set-pieces. Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler echoed similar concerns, pointing to inconsistencies in refereeing decisions.

Nuno's call adds to the growing pressure on referees to define the limits of legal contact in the Premier League, with multiple managers advocating for clearer guidelines and direct communication with players.