Premier League Urged to Ban Players Cutting Socks for Safety Reasons

Richard Keys has called on the Premier League to take action and follow in the footsteps of La Liga after observing the recent trend of players cutting holes in their socks to avoid injury. This practice has become increasingly common among top-level footballers, including Kyle Walker, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka. The rationale behind this trend is to prevent muscle cramping in the calf, as tight or constricting socks can apply excessive pressure to the muscles during running and stretching. However, Richard Keys, a beIN Sports pundit, has expressed his disapproval of this practice. During the Manchester City vs Chelsea game, Keys shared a picture of Conor Gallagher's cut socks and called for an end to this 'nonsense.' Keys highlighted that La Liga has already banned players from cutting their socks, citing the case of former Valencia defender Ezequiel Garay, who was forced to change his ripped socks by the referee. Despite the ban, players like Jude Bellingham and Brahim Diaz continue to defy the rule. Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has also explained that he cuts holes in his socks because they are too tight and cause pressure on his calves. In light of these developments, Keys urges the Premier League to take similar action and prohibit players from cutting their socks. By doing so, the league can prioritize player safety and ensure adherence to a consistent dress code.