Carl Singleton – The Conversation

Italian referee Marco Guida signals that he is taking account of time-wasting during a Serie A football match. Marco Iacobucci Epp/Shutterstock

April 14, 2026

Football is being spoiled by time‑wasting – what can be done ahead of the World Cup?

Carl Singleton, University of Stirling; David Butler, University College Cork, and Robert Butler, University College Cork

In the Premier League, the proportion of a match where the ball is in play is at a near-record low.

The host nation’s success brings a host of social benefits that go beyond the medal haul. robertharding / Alamy Stock Photo

July 19, 2021

Carl Singleton, University of Reading; Dominik Schreyer, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, and Johan Rewilak, Aston University

Throughout the modern Olympic period, the host nation has had a home advantage. But crowds are not the only factor

Shutterstock / Marco Canoniero

May 15, 2020

Carl Singleton, University of Reading; Dominik Schreyer, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, and James Reade, University of Reading

The findings of one of the few studies into closed door matches.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson tweeted in support of the new #PlayersTogether fund. Peter Powell / EPA

April 9, 2020

Adrian R Bell, University of Reading; Carl Singleton, University of Reading, and James Reade, University of Reading

They have every right to take their own lead on salary cuts during the pandemic.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring during a match between Liverpool and Bournemouth in early March, 2020. Peter Powell\EPA

March 27, 2020

James Reade, University of Reading and Carl Singleton, University of Reading

Can statistics work out who will win the various tournaments?

Peter Byrne/PA Wire/PA Images

August 30, 2019

Carl Singleton, University of Reading and James Reade, University of Reading

The English Football League has no formal obligation to fans, even though its entire existence depends on them.