Former assistant ref Darren Cann thinks 'The time has come' for a rule change

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West Ham United fixtures frequently involve physical contests during set-pieces, an area of the game now under scrutiny by former officiating experts. Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann has proposed a rule change designed to eliminate the persistent grappling and disruption often seen during corners and free-kicks. Cann suggests that the current chaotic nature of these situations necessitates a formal adjustment to how officials manage player conduct inside the penalty area. For Hammers followers, who see set-piece sequences decide crucial match outcomes, such a modification would significantly impact both defensive positioning and attacking strategies. The proposal seeks to streamline dead-ball scenarios by curbing the wrestling that typically occurs before the ball enters play, potentially bringing greater clarity to high-pressure moments.