A former Premier League assistant referee, Darren Cann, has called for a new rule that would prevent attacking players from standing inside the six-yard box before corners are taken. The suggestion comes after a major VAR controversy during West Ham’s match against Arsenal, where a goal was disallowed following a lengthy review.
West Ham thought they had scored a vital equalizer, but the goal was ruled out after referee Chris Kavanagh judged that attacker Pablo had fouled Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. The decision came after an on-field review, which Cann described as the “biggest moment in VAR history.”
Set-piece tactics have become increasingly physical this season, with many teams crowding the goalkeeper and targeting inswinging corners toward the six-yard box. This has led to numerous scuffles and pile-ups, which have become a recurring theme in the Premier League. Cann believes a law change is needed to reduce the grappling that often occurs before the ball is even in play.
“I feel the time has come for a change where no attackers are allowed in the six-yard box before the corner is taken,” Cann said on Match of the Day. “Like with goal kicks, where forwards cannot enter the penalty area before the ball is in play, the same should apply for corners. This would create natural separation and give the goalkeeper more space, avoiding endless debates over fouls.”
He added that referees often struggle to penalize teams for grappling before corners because the ball is not yet in play. “This change would eliminate those situations entirely,” he said.
Cann supported the decision made by Kavanagh and VAR official Darren England to disallow the goal. “No one would want to trade places with Darren England. It was a high-pressure situation, but he stepped up and made the correct call. It’s the biggest VAR decision in Premier League history,” he said.
After the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the officials for their bravery in overturning what he called an “obvious error.” The win moved Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City, leaving them just two games away from their first league title in 22 years.
“The referee made a very brave call, but it was consistent with what they’ve been discussing all season,” Arteta said. “I have criticized officials before, but today I must praise them. They gave the referee the chance to review the incident calmly, and when you look at it, it was clearly a free-kick. The goal had to be disallowed. Congratulations to them for making a big decision under immense pressure.”
West Ham were furious with the outcome, but Arteta highlighted the difficulty of the job. “Today I realized how tough and important the referee’s role is. A single decision can change the history of two massive clubs fighting for their goals. The pressure is enormous.”
