The Russian Premier League (RPL) leads national leagues in the number of penalties awarded, according to Smart Tables analysis.
In Russia’s top competition, the average has hovered around 0.52 penalties per match. Observers note a year‑to‑year rise in penalty counts since 2017/18: the league recorded about 0.27 per game that season, followed by roughly 0.31 in the next campaign. After the introduction of VAR, penalties climbed to the range of 0.42 to 0.45 per game across three seasons, and last season the average reached about 0.5 per game. These figures reflect a consistent trend toward more frequent stoppages for fouls inside the box, as adjudicators interpret and enforce infractions with greater consistency.
Data also shows a home‑field bias: penalties are awarded to the home team at an average rate of about 0.35 per game, while visiting sides receive around 0.17 per match. This disparity mirrors a broader pattern seen in many leagues, where home teams often benefit from the crowd, familiarity with the venue, and perceived competitive advantage.
Turning to other European competitions, the prediction for penalties per game varies by league: the Spanish league trends around 0.4 penalties per match, with Bulgaria at roughly 0.36, Serbia at 0.33, Portugal at 0.31, Italy near 0.3, Hungary at 0.23, and Montenegro around 0.17. These comparisons provide a context for how disciplinary patterns differ across national championships and highlight how rule changes, officiating standards, and tactical approaches may influence penalty frequency across leagues.
A former captain of the Russian national team offered critiques regarding this topic, noting ongoing debates about how penalties are awarded and interpreted within the league. These remarks underscore the broader discussion among players, coaches, and fans about officiating practices and their impact on match outcomes.