01 Mar 2026 20:45:15
Hi Ed
I was wondering what you think about the current trend of corners, and how you can now - apparently - hold on to attacking (or defending, for that matter) players with two arms without committing a foul.
In my opinion, it is scandalous that there was not a penalty on Joao Pedro in the 52nd minute, but it's just one of many, many instances surrounding many teams, but particularly Arsenal, where the players get away with crazy things.
{Ed001's Note - they need to start enforcing the laws of the game to put a stop to it. Every team is now blatantly cheating and it is not a good spectacle. It all comes back to weak, inept officials who are allowing it to happen.}
02 Mar 2026 10:04:33
Ed001, I totally agree that the rules should be enforced properly. However, I do have some sympathy for the refs, there is so much going on and every player is at it. The coaches are also responsible; it's their tactics after all.
{Ed001's Note - I have no sympathy as they have VAR and it is them that run that and choose to ignore it all. They are complicit.}
02 Mar 2026 11:45:05
Either enforce the law, or give up on it completely. Why not rename the game to incorporate the name "rugby"?
What is going on is a farce from the officials, and laziness from coaches.
02 Mar 2026 10:30:50
Completely agree with both of you Emil and Ed001 this is ruining the game and allowing Arsenal to be pretty boring in a matcvh like yesterday's then grab key goals tghrough such tactics. And other teams foloowing suit - have to perhaps
{Ed001's Note - it is becoming borderline unwatchable.}
02 Mar 2026 10:59:15
You are correct Ed. They either need to come out and say its ok to grab and hold players, or they actually start giving penalties for these offences.
We are just as bad. If you start giving penalties away it would soon stop. Be teams are taking advantage knowing it won't happen so keep pushing the boundaries.
02 Mar 2026 12:18:41
Ed001, yes the officials are at fault but even more VAR interventions is just as unbearable. As I said the players and coaches are also at fault. The responsible body should communicate to all clubs that players will be penalised appropriately for this grabbing etc so that no one can claim to be surprised when a player is sent off or a goal is disallowed.Arsenal will have to change their tactics.
{Ed001's Note - you wouldn't need to intervene after the first week or two, no coach would set up like that after a few are sent off.}
02 Mar 2026 13:34:21
Ed001, dead right. That's I suggested that it is made clear that these tactics are unacceptable. I don't want to listen to whines from coaches saying everyone else is doing it.
{Ed001's Note - agreed. Maybe fine the clubs as well.}