Virgil van Dijk was seen using his foot to dig up the penalty spot prior to Bowen & West Ham's missed penalty kick against Liverpool.
Scuffing the spot destabilizes the surface where the ball is positioned, but also marks out territory: "This is our area, back off!"
1/4
Scuffing the spot destabilizes the surface where the ball is positioned, but also marks out territory: "This is our area, back off!"
1/4
When Bowen then puts the ball at the front of the spot, van Dijk & Allison protest the ball placement (1), get the referee to check (2) & van Dijk continues to fuss right behind Bowen's back (3).
This clearly disrupts. Bowen then fails to see see Allison moving early (4).
2/4
This clearly disrupts. Bowen then fails to see see Allison moving early (4).
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Scuffing up the penalty spot prior to a penalty kick is not new - this has existed for many years.
Although it is more widespread in South America, it was used multiple times in the Premier League last season.
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Although it is more widespread in South America, it was used multiple times in the Premier League last season.
3/4
There's always a counter measure.
For years, when Flamengo in Brazil gets a penalty, 1-2 players immediately take up position to guard the penalty spot from opponents scuffing it.
Here, Filipe Luís takes care of it, letting Gabi peacefully prepare his shot outside the area.
4/4
For years, when Flamengo in Brazil gets a penalty, 1-2 players immediately take up position to guard the penalty spot from opponents scuffing it.
Here, Filipe Luís takes care of it, letting Gabi peacefully prepare his shot outside the area.
4/4
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