Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler is calling for a definitive ruling from the game’s governing bodies regarding the treatment of goalkeepers during set-piece situations. He expressed frustration over a recent decision that went against his team during their match against Aston Villa, where Tariq Lamptey helped secure a 2-2 draw. Hurzeler believed that Bart Verbruggen was unfairly impeded at a corner kick, leading to a penalty for Villa after a VAR review.
Hurzeler’s concerns come on the heels of a controversial goal allowed for Crystal Palace despite heavy pressure on Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. He emphasized the need for a clear and consistent rule to be established regarding goalkeeper interference during set-pieces, to prevent the game from becoming distorted.
The manager stressed that in any other scenario on the field, a player being obstructed would result in a foul being awarded, and he sees no reason why this should not be the case for goalkeepers as well. Hurzeler is urging the Premier League to address this issue promptly before the situation escalates and the integrity of the sport is compromised.
