Premier League corner chaos: How can football's lawmakers sort the issue?
BBC World
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Premier League corner kicks have become a battleground of holding, wrestling, and chaos, with up to 16 players often cramming into the six-yard box, making it difficult for referees to manage. Assistant referee Darren Cann highlighted the problem, stating that this epidemic is becoming unmanageable. Managers like David Moyes argue that referees are failing to address the issue, pointing to instances where defenders and attackers engage in tussles without intervention, such as Everton's clash with Manchester United.
The chaos at corners has sparked debates about responsibility—whether it lies with referees, players, or coaches—or if a change in the laws is needed. Set-pieces have become increasingly critical in Premier League matches, with teams employing distraction tactics like blocking and holding to gain an advantage. Arsenal, for instance, has been noted for its effective use of these strategies. The situation has reached a point where it may be damaging the game's image, as seen in Liverpool manager Arne Slot's criticism that such behavior makes matches less enjoyable.
Despite efforts to address the issue,VAR appears inconsistent in catching fouls during corners, with social media often flooding with examples of missed calls. Referees are provided with dossiers on each team's tactics, but critics argue that VAR is overfocused on minor infractions while overlooking clear fouls. The Premier League claims its system for handling fouls andVAR interventions is effective, yet high-profile cases continue to dominate media attention.
The chaos at corners reflects broader debates about the game's integrity and appeal. While set
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Originally published on BBC World on 3/2/2026