Time for a Change: How to Improve the EPL

I was trying to think of ways to improve our beloved game and while I am not a fan of big changes such as widening the goalposts, sin-bins and all that rubbish, i think i may have stumbled across an idea, that is a small change in the law, but would, i believe change the game for the better.

As i see it, some of the biggest problems in british football, on the field at least, are diving, which i think no-one likes to see, and players fouling other players.

The worst thing for me, is to watch strikers pick up the ball on the edge of the box, and then dive almost head first into the penalty box, clip their own heel, and fall to the floor.

Cue the outstretched arms, the look of innocence and the familiar huddle around the referee from outraged team-mates and dismayed opponents. 

Another example, a player breaks through on goal, is taken out by a defender, who is then shown a red card for being the last man. Said last man trudges from the pitch, knowing he may well have just saved his team from a last minute equalizer.

Sure, the player recieves a short ban and a paltry fine, but the other team gets just a free-kick and plays against 10 men for all of 30 secs. Where is the justice?

My idea is, why not give the referee the power to award a penalty from any area of the pitch?

My first thought was, that should this rule ever be introduced, we would see ten penalties for each team in every game.

But im not talking about awarding a penalty for every foul commited, because that would be ludicrous, but just for the worst fouls, or perhaps for any straight red card offence.

Referees already have to decide the nature and intent of any fouls commited, so the game is still in the referees hands.

In essence, there would be no penalty "area". Only a white box to mark where the goalkeeper can handle the ball.

After running this idea through my head for a few days, trying to think, in reality, what differences this would make to the game, i have come up with a few pros and cons.

Here are some of the positive things that could come from this.

Firstly, I believe that there would be less fouling going on, which can only be a good thing in anyone eyes.

Secondly, it would prevent strikers making a beeline for the penalty area and hitting the deck, for the sole purpose of "winning" a penalty.

Also, I believe it would give the defending team a little protection from these types of players because, lets face it, defenders are scared to death of tackling someone in their own penalty box these days for fear of giving away a penalty kick.

And i believe that for a defender, the time a tackle is most needed, is currently where the defender is most vulnerable, and this surely is backward thinking. A defender SHOULD be able to defend his goal.

The only negative side to this rule change that I can think of is perhaps this would encourage MORE diving, in every area of the field, but i really dont think this would be the case. I would be interested to hear of any more ideas and a fresh perspective on this matter.

I appreciate that no-one likes wholesale changes in football, myself included, but if there is something that makes the game fairer for everyone, then it is our duty to investigate as football fans.

Of course, this idea is, just an idea, but i honestly believe it would have more benefits, than negative effects, and i know of worse ideas that have been proposed by our football governing body. And at least we wouldnt have to watch Andrew Johnsons little white head dissappear from view everytime he crosses the edge of that penalty box!

I`d like to know what other writers think and any feedback to this article would be very appreciated. Thankyou for your time.