James McClean calls for footballers to have NHL-style scraps on pitch

17 February 2023 , 13:52

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Fighting has been a part of Ice Hockey since the 19th century. (Image: Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Wigan Athletic winger James McClean has outlandishly called for football to be allowed to have National Hockey League style fights on the pitch to see 'less handbags'.

The Irish star posted the bizarre suggestion on his Instagram story, believing football could copy the NHL's leniency towards fighting - something referees tolerate in the sport before giving them a five-minute sin bin.

McClean posted on his Instagram story: "Just an observation... if football introduced the rule like in ice hockey where if there is on field issue then let two players involved have a 10/15 second tear up and then sin bin them, i guarantee they'd be far less handbags."

A physical sport, the NHL sees players elbow and check each other, which does at times lead to fighting

While officials let the fights happen, they do then punish the players with penalties, but do not necessarily remove them from the game - most usually allowed to return after five minutes.

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It's been a debatable part of the sport for many years, with some stating that fighting and intimidation is a part of ice hockey and add that it helps deter other types of rough play and protects superstar players (with only certain players usually doing the fighting), meanwhile others suggest it's unnecessary, and obviously, dangerous.

James McClean suggested it's something football should consider (Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Should a footballer start a fight, or even attempt to do so on the pitch though, they'd see a straight red card and be hit with multiple game suspensions and fines.

It was a very bold suggestion for 33-year-old winger McClean to make, and one you imagine football will stay away from as authorities look to keep things in order.

Charlie Wilson