The Leeds United ace believes there is an imbalance when it comes to what is allowed during dead-ball phases
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
12:01, 03 Apr 2026
Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow jumps up to collect a ball
View Image
Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow jumps up to collect a ball(Image: Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Karl Darlow has questioned whether football’s authorities can clamp down on the increasing roughage seen from set-pieces this season, stating that attacking players are getting away with illegally impeding goalkeepers without punishment.
Amidst the resurgence of set-play routines this season, the attacking team is frequently seen crowding the goalkeeper to prompt pressure and a mistake. In tandem, the line between what is a foul on the ‘keeper and what is not has become more blurry.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has the final say on what rules are implemented, rather than the Premier League or PGMOL itself. At IFAB’s annual general meeting in February, the crowding of goalkeepers was not discussed.
Leeds United shot-stopper Darlow believes too much favour is being given to attackers and wonders whether lawmakers can eventually intervene. Appearing on the club’s official podcast, the Wales international outlined how a Premier League goalkeeper’s job has become more challenging.
*FOLLOW OUR LUFC FACEBOOK PAGE!Latest news, analysis and more on our Leeds United FB page*
He said: “It’s probably been more difficult to get to the ball in terms of corners and who you’ve got on you. Don’t get me wrong, there have always been people on you but now there has been full-on plans on what each set piece is going to look like.
“I think that’s the biggest change in terms of how they’ve targeted key headers of the ball and the goalkeeper. I wonder if the Premier League [sic] can do anything about it because the way it’s going it’s almost as if you can do whatever you like and it’s not being penalised.”
All the while, Darlow explained how goalkeeping coach Ed Wootton and his staff are being evermore diligent when it comes to pre and post-match analysis now Leeds are coming up against Premier League opposition, with set-piece trends inevitably a part of this.
Article continues below
Darlow explained: “We do a briefing before the game and we’ll normally do a run-down of what has happened during the game.
“Before the game, we’ll go into a pass map as to where chances have been created from in terms of where the ball has come from and trends we might be able to see - whether it’s six-yard box that most of their finishing is coming from, second six yard box or wider or crosses.
“So there’s a lot more analysis that goes into it. I think you have to, that’s where the game is at and that’s where the Premier League is at - the very top of the level.”