SOCCER: Espirito Santo says players need guidance on contact at corners

LONDON – West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo says his players are confused about how much contact is allowed while defending corners and called for clearer rules.

The struggling Hammers twice took the lead at home against Brighton & Hove Albion, only to settle for a 2-2 draw. The result could have been worse if Danny Welbeck’s second penalty of the night hadn’t struck the bar.

Welbeck first equalized from the spot and, three minutes later, had another chance to put Brighton ahead after what Espirito Santo described as a “rugby-style tackle” by Lucas Paqueta on Lewis Dunk.

Grappling and shirt pulling in the penalty area during corners has become common in recent seasons, but referees rarely punish it. Paqueta’s challenge elsewhere on the pitch would likely have been called a foul and possibly a card, yet Espirito Santo questioned whether it should have been a penalty at all.

“I was talking to the referee because there are many situations this season where decisions are inconsistent, and it gets confusing for the players,” the Portuguese manager said. “How much contact is allowed, or not, is difficult to judge. I am disappointed to concede from a set piece because we had the situation under control.”

Espirito Santo added that referees need to provide guidance. “The referees must be clear. We had a meeting with PGMOL at the start of the season. Now, at halfway, they should meet again to speak with the players.”

Paqueta later restored West Ham’s lead from the penalty spot after Callum Wilson’s shot was blocked by Dunk’s arm. Brighton, however, leveled in the second half through Joel Veltman and dominated the remainder of the match, leaving West Ham frustrated at not taking all three points.

West Ham remain without a win in eight Premier League matches and sit third from bottom, four points from safety at the season’s halfway mark.

-Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters