Towelgate in the Premier League: Forest Boss Demands a Ban on Touchline Towels

Touchline Towels Under Scrutiny

Shun Dayich, Nottingham Forest's manager, has called for banning towels on the touchlines during Premier League matches, arguing the practice disrupts the flow of play and invites unfair manipulation of throw-ins.

He spoke after Forest's win over Brentford, expressing frustration at how some throw-ins are executed, especially with players repeatedly drying the ball, which wastes time and slows the tempo.

According to BBC coverage, Dayich believes allowing towels tilts the balance in favor of the home side, which can decide their presence without meaningful input from the visiting team.

Dayich pointed to a Brentford player who repeatedly grabbed a towel before launching long balls into Forest's penalty area, a clear example of how the tactic can be exploited.

The coach added: 'I don't understand why the decision to use towels is left to the host. If the rule allows it, it needs a real revision'.

Even though Premier League rules permit towels if provided to both sides, Dayich argues the wording does not guarantee complete fairness and called for a definitive ban.

He said: 'In English football, towels have already been banned in the EFL; why not apply the same in the top flight? It’s simple — let’s play without extra complications'.

Dayich closed by urging uniform, streamlined rules to speed up games, insisting football does not need sideline minutiae to slow down competition.

Punchline 1: If towels get banned, the only thing drying up will be the excuses. Punchline 2: Finally, a rule change that won’t make you reach for a towel to wipe away your tears.