According to Goal.com, the Premier League will ban players from using towels to dry the ball before throwing in during the 2026-2027 season, a decision that has displeased Arsenal manager Arteta.
Arteta publicly opposed this decision at the press conference before Arsenal's Community Shield match against Manchester City, calling the towel ban "significant and problematic." He also jokingly suggested that players might wear hats during matches to find a way to dry their hands and the ball.
Arteta's reaction is understandable. Arsenal relied heavily on throw-ins last season, often having players like Ben White, Declan Rice, and Riccardo Calafiori throw the ball into dangerous areas, then using teammates' aerial ability to create threats.
Arteta stated: "Not being able to use a towel is already a significant and problematic issue."
"Let's see how we will do, how we will adapt to these new rules. Maybe we will play with hats."
This measure means that the previous practice of requiring pre-match agreement between both teams to use towels will be completely abolished. The Premier League is now prepared to fully ban towel use to end controversies surrounding throw-ins.
The new rule also brings to mind an incident from last season's match between Arsenal and Newcastle United. Calafiori wanted to use a towel near the goal to dry the ball, but referee Jarred Gillett quickly approached and removed the towel because its use had not been agreed upon by both sides before the match. The towel controversy is not new in the Premier League. Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche had previously criticized the practice, arguing that it gave certain teams an unfair advantage during throw-ins.
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dougiefresh
0
They also use wash cloths or towels in cricket as well what's the big deal
Wekkrsty
0
I won’t matter to arsenal and I disagree that we relied heavily on throw in. You’re lie a lot. Stop using Arsenal to gain attention
Wazabdmruy
0
2027/28 you will hear players are banned from drying the ball using the jersey during throw ins
resabekpst
1
Realistically it’s the players hands that have to be dry, they will do this wiping them on their shorts. The ball can be dried using the inside of their jerseys.
MeetGibbs
0
they are already looking for ways to limit Arsenal tactics but it won't matter. it's not like one side came with towels and the other did not. it's available for every team so whats the big deal
obrigado900
0
That's absurd. Why will you ban towels? What effect does it have on throw-ins? none
fuzbcopruy
0
Arsenal players will use their jerseys to clean the ball before throw in simple as banning the use of towels.
and you forgot that the jersey is wet already
gunnerfc
0
We never relied heavily on throw-ins only on corners, if is raining surely you should be able to dry the ball. Both teams on the day will have the same advantage, I dont get it.
Capabknpsy
1
New to football? Jersey drying is most original
hinbelnrtz
1
Arsenal players will use their jerseys to clean the ball before throw in simple as banning the use of towels.