Is it finally time to get serious about time-wasting?
Away from thrilling battles at the top and bottom of the Premier League table, it has been one of the big talking points of the season. It was thrust even further to the forefront of the conversation last week by Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler.
“The limit has to be set by the Premier League, the limit has to be set by the referees,” he said after his side lost 1-0 to Arsenal. “At the moment they [Arsenal] just can do what they want.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta refuted the claim and praised the way his players compete. “I think they [critics] love our players,” he continued. “I mean, every time they talk about our players, I think they are the most loved ones in the country.”
While not permitted by the laws of the game, time-wasting is a dark art that has always been woven into the fabric of football.
Supporters will embrace it when it suits. There is plenty of pleasure to be derived from eking out seconds late on when your team is looking to secure a big win.
Fans can also take joy from the manner in which it riles their opponents. Conversely, if you are on the receiving end, it can be infuriating.
But this season, debate around such antics has intensified. With subscription costs and ticket prices on the rise, are fans getting full value for money? And with Hurzeler not the first to complain, how much worse is it actually getting?
