Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton fears tackling is being pushed out the game.
Barton is unhappy with complaints from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger about the Premier League's physical edge.
"I don't know what has gone on at Arsenal or what their situation is, but it is a contact sport so there are going to be challenges made," Barton told the Evening Chronicle.
"I think the fans in England like to see challenges being made in a game. As long as it's fair, I don't think there is a problem. As long the intention is to win the ball.
"But if players are going into the challenge looking to take someone out or to injury them, if it malicious, then it has to be outlawed. Referees already have a hard enough job, but they get things right most of the time and I'm sure that will continue."
