Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has made a strong appeal for towels to be prohibited from Premier League matches, arguing that their use is causing significant and unnecessary delays during games. This call comes after a specific incident in Forest's recent 2-0 victory over Brentford on Sunday, which highlighted the issue.
Frustration Over Brentford Incident
Dyche voiced his frustrations following the match, where Brentford's Michael Kayode was observed drying the ball with a towel before taking throw-ins. The Forest boss believes such practices disrupt the flow of play and contribute to stoppages that could easily be avoided. He described the current allowance of towels on the sidelines as "unfathomable," suggesting it defies common sense in maintaining match tempo.
Proposed Solution for Speeding Up Play
In his remarks, Dyche asserted that it would be "dead easy" for the Premier League to implement a ban on towels from the sidelines. He argues that this simple regulatory change could help speed up matches, reducing downtime and keeping the action more continuous for fans and players alike. This proposal aligns with broader efforts in football to minimise delays and enhance the viewing experience.
Broader Context in Football
Dyche's comments on towels emerge just days after a similar issue gained attention in international football. During the Africa Cup of Nations final, ball boys and Moroccan players were seen attempting to prevent Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from using his towel, indicating that the debate over towel use extends beyond the Premier League. This incident underscores a growing concern about equipment and practices that may slow down games across different levels of the sport.
The call for a towel ban reflects ongoing discussions about rule enforcement and match management in professional football. As Dyche pushes for this change, it remains to be seen how the Premier League and other football authorities will respond to such appeals for streamlining gameplay.
