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Championship Football: A Wrestling Match?
26 Feb
Summary
- Championship football has become increasingly physical, resembling wrestling.
- Players like Patrick Agyemang face constant fouling and holding.
- Calls for greater protection for players are increasing.
The physicality of Championship football has notably increased, with some observers comparing it to wrestling. Players frequently experience grappling, holding, and blocking, particularly during set-pieces, a trend that has intensified since 2023. Striker Carlton Morris previously highlighted the issue, and more recently, American forward Patrick Agyemang has been a target, leading to his growing frustration.
Derby head coach John Eustace has repeatedly called for greater protection for players, stating that they are fouled constantly. This situation contrasts with the Premier League, where stricter directives were introduced in the 2016-17 season to curb holding and blocking at set-pieces. For instance, in August 2016, referee Mike Dean awarded two penalties for such infractions in a single match.
The discussion emphasizes that holding, grappling, and blocking are fouls under existing laws, regardless of the league. While officials acknowledge they cannot see every infraction, consistent and targeted behaviour demands intervention to maintain fair play and prevent the game from devolving into overly physical contests.
