Ex-Premier League referee Mark Halsey has demanded a rule change after the 'farcical' and 'embarrassing' scenes in one of Manchester United's most recent matches.
The Red Devils have been on fire under Michael Carrick. The Red Devils have gone unbeaten since the Englishman replaced Ruben Amorim, winning six and drawing one of their last seven matches.
A big reason for their success in recent weeks has been down to their defence. United have conceded just two goals in their last four matches, keeping two clean sheets in that time.
They managed to beat Everton 1-0 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium despite the hosts' aggressive tactics from set-pieces. United goalkeeper Senne Lammens came under huge pressure throughout the game as the Toffees looked to make it as difficult as possible to deal with balls launched into the box.
There were so many players inside Man Utd's box for Everton set plays that Kobbie Mainoo even compared the scenes to that of a WWE Royal Rumble.
Mark Halsey: PGMOL Must Stop Grappling at Corners
Man Utd goalkeeper Senne Lammens punches an Everton corner clear
There has been a particular emphasis on set-pieces this season; Everton aren't the only team to adopt the same tactics.
Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey has now demanded that PGMOL take action to stop jostling from corners, which he says is happening 'week after week'. Halsey, who officiated in England's top tier from 1999-2013, told the Sun:
“The PGMOL have got to lead their referees into a no-nonsense approach to these grappling incidents in the penalty area from corners because it has become an absolute joke.
“It needs to be dealt with sooner rather than later. Referees do not want to keep making decisions when they are all jostling. It has become like rugby. It is like being at Twickenham. If it means giving loads of free-kicks and penalties, then so be it. That is the only way to stop it.
“The Everton vs Manchester United game last week was a joke. It was farcical and embarrassing and it is happening week in week out."
Halsey went on to say that a penalty or a free-kick should be given as soon as a corner-kick is taken to stop the grappling from happening. He added:
"But it is also down to the players and set-piece coaches, they are to blame, not referees. Sometimes you feel sorry for the officials.
Man Utd vs Everton
“As soon as that corner kick is taken, give a penalty or a free-kick. As long as you are being consistent, people cannot argue. People are fed up of a referee stopping the game, having a word with players, not taking action and then allowing them to continue grappling.
"They do not take any notice. Everyone is getting fed up of it. If you give penalties and free-kicks every single time, players and fans cannot complain.”
Man Utd will be keen to keep their momentum going and extend their unbeaten streak under Carrick to eight games when they travel to St James' Park to take on Newcastle United on Wednesday, March 4.