Premier League legend explains why corners are not taken inside the arc – and it’s more technical than you think

ARSENAL legend Lee Dixon has revealed why footballers don’t take corners from inside the painted arc.

Generally, players place the ball just outside of the arc before taking a corner.

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Footballers sometimes place the ball outside of the corner arc[/caption]

PA:Empics Sport

Lee Dixon claims that they do it for a very specific reason[/caption]

Rules state that it needs to be in contact with the paint, not directly on or inside the line.

Some football fans have been left confused by this, but Dixon claims that players do it for a practical reason.

Speaking on commentary for Amazon Prime during Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Wednesday, the former Arsenal full-back revealed that the paint used to mark the arc is actually hard.

That means the ball sits in an awkward position when fully placed on it.

Therefore, players find it easier to take the corner when a fraction of the ball is on the line.

Rules also state that opposition players must remain at least 10 yards away from the arc until the ball is in play.

If the ball is placed outside of the arc or if an opposition player is deemed to be too close, the corner is usually retaken.

Tottenham midfielder James Maddison teased Bournemouth fans while taking a corner during Spurs’ trip to the Vitality Stadium in August.

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The England star moved the ball outside of the arc while setting himself to take the kick.

His cheeky trick left the home fans fuming, but he quickly moved it back with a wry smile.