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Footballers often restrain rival players by pulling at their shirts or
shorts—especially if the referee can’t see what they’re doing. But they
won’t get away with it for much longer if a patent from Philip Perseval of Kent
gets taken up (GB 2350049). He says the front, back, sleeves and collar of the
shirt—plus the shorts—should be held together with only weak seams
or feeble fasteners. The clothes remain intact during normal play, but a
deliberate tug pulls the garment apart—or bits come off in the offender’s
hand, giving the ref proof of guilt.

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