Home / Football / Premier League News Nuno calls for clarification on fouls after increased referee criticism The West Ham boss admits he does not know what constitutes a free-kick anymore Written by Mitch Fretton Last Update: March 6, 2026 06:25:35 pm GMT 2 min read Nuno Espirito Santo has urged officials to provide clearer guidance on fouls during set-pieces, claiming the level of grappling and blocking now seen in the Premier League has become almost crazy. The West Ham manager raised the issue ahead of his sides FA Cup meeting with Brentford, explaining that he has already voiced his concerns to Howard Webb, the head of the refereeing body Professional Game Match Officials Limited.Nuno believes the current interpretation of contact during set-piece situations has gone too far and wants referees to explain the limits more clearly to players.What the referee has now allowed, whats happening in the set-piece situation is, Ill say, almost crazy, he said.I think they should review it. I can see that many of them are fouls the contacts, the holding, the grabbing, the blocks.Many things are happening. Some of them are legal, some of them are OK, but most of them are contacts that go much further than what is allowed in football.The debate around physicality at corners and free-kicks has grown in recent weeks, with several managers questioning whether the rules are being applied consistently.Arne Slot, head coach of Liverpool, recently suggested the heavy focus on set-pieces is making matches less enjoyable to watch. Meanwhile David Moyes, in charge of Everton, described Mikel Artetas Arsenal side as pioneers of the so-called dark arts in these situations.Criticism has also come from Fabian Hurzeler, the manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, who questioned the lack of consistency in officiating.Some of the ways teams are blocking, theres no real rule, Hurzeler said.Sometimes the referee whistles and its a foul, sometimes it isnt a foul or they dont whistle.Nuno echoed that concern, particularly highlighting the pressure placed on goalkeepers when attackers crowd the six-yard box.He believes the current interpretation of the rules is making life increasingly difficult for keepers.Its my personal consideration, and I already had the chance to address this worry to Howard Webb, Nuno added.He was sensible enough to recognise that something is going on. Its not only me. I think it goes through all the league. Topics: West Ham United F.C. Follow us: Mitch Fretton Mitch is a freelance sports journalist with experience working for LiveScore, GOAL and Colchester United. He has experience working from both his desk at home and in the press box at games covering the Champions League and international football. Read more from Mitch Fretton
