Monday, June 17, 2013
Fouls in Premier League have dropped by 22% since 2006
The number of fouls committed by Premier League players has dropped by 22% since 2006, according to figures released for the first time.
"The gradual decline in free-kicks has made the game more fast flowing, more exciting and more entertaining," said referees' chief Mike Riley.
Top-flight players committed 8,562 fouls in the 380 matches of the 2012-13 season at an average of 22.5 per match.
In 2005-06, 10,886 fouls were committed at an average of 28.6 per match.
However, last season's total is a slight increase from the 2011-12 campaign, when a total of 8,307 fouls were awarded at an average of 21.9 per match - the lowest figure in the past 10 years of top-flight football.
"The gradual decline in free-kicks has made the game more fast flowing, more exciting and more entertaining," said referees' chief Mike Riley.
Top-flight players committed 8,562 fouls in the 380 matches of the 2012-13 season at an average of 22.5 per match.
In 2005-06, 10,886 fouls were committed at an average of 28.6 per match.
However, last season's total is a slight increase from the 2011-12 campaign, when a total of 8,307 fouls were awarded at an average of 21.9 per match - the lowest figure in the past 10 years of top-flight football.
