Leicester City news: Danny Simpson claims his side are suffering from crackdown on set-piece grappling

Referees have been told to penalise grappling under corners which Simpson believes has subsequently hindered the Foxes' defensive capabilities

Leicester struggled with their set-piece defending against United on Saturday (Getty)

Leicester City’s Danny Simpson has admitted that his side are finding it harder to defend set-pieces due to a crackdown on players grappling within the penalty area.

The Foxes were notorious for their overtly physical approach to dealing with corners last season with both Robert Huth and Wes Morgan exerting themselves within the box, often in an illegal manner.

Referees have been instructed to penalise pushing and shoving under the set-pieces, and to award penalties if necessary, and Simpson believes that such a crackdown has already begun to affect the Foxes’ defensive capabilities.

“It is in your mind, yes, we have seen a few decisions this season,” Simpson said.

“It is something we have to learn to adapt to as players. They have changed the rules. The way it was last season, I thought we were very good at defending set pieces and we made it tough for the opponents.

“You have been doing that [grappling] all your career and suddenly you have got to change it, but it’s the same for everyone.”

Three of Leicester’s goals conceded against Manchester United on Saturday came as a direct result of the corner ball.

Claudio Ranieri himself admitted that his team “must be smarter” when dealing with corners while Simpson made it clear that his side need to learn their lesson from Saturday’s defeat.

“It’s something we are going to have to adapt to and I am sure we will look at it and work out the best way because that can’t happen again”, the full-back added.

“They have made it [the rules] very clear and we know the decisions that have been made, but in any game, whether it’s at Old Trafford or wherever, you can’t concede three goals in ten minutes from set pieces.”