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Peter Crouch worried a farcical amount of Premier League penalties may be awarded this season

Former England striker Peter Crouch fears a farcical number of penalties could be awarded in the Premier League this season.

Referees have been urged to clamp down on holding and pushing in the box at set-pieces this term.

The new directive was in evidence as both Crouch's Stoke and Manchester City were awarded contentious spot-kicks by referee Mike Dean in their clash at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday.

Manchester City and Stoke were awarded contentious penalties in Saturday's match
Manchester City and Stoke were awarded contentious penalties in Saturday's match
Crouch is worried a farcical number of penalties could be awarded in the Premier League
Crouch is worried a farcical number of penalties could be awarded in the Premier League

Both offences might have been overlooked in previous years and Crouch, echoing comments by manager Mark Hughes, is worried the new interpretation may be too strict.