Why do footballers tape up their wrists?

"Footballers mainly tape their wrists to protect them from injury. Sports tape, which is wrapped around the wrist and sometimes fingers, provides support and stability to the wrist joints during a match - meaning that if a player has been tackled, faced a collision or a fall, the tape will form protection to their wrist. Goalkeepers use tape to protect their fingers and wrist under their gloves, but any outfield player is also permitted to do so."

"However, tape cannot be worn to cover pieces of jewellery, according to safety rules set by football law-makers the International Football Association Board (Ifab). If a player has sustained a wrist injury, tape can be used to reduce inflammation and swelling. It can also help a player wipe sweat off their faces during a match. Wearing tape could also be part of a footballer's superstitious beliefs, believing they will have a better performance or it will bring them luck if they apply it."

"Ben Warburton, a physiotherapist who has worked with Cardiff City, Wales' national rugby union team and Scarlets rugby union team, says players like Foden wear the tape for different injury-related reasons. He said the first is for "prophylactic measures", such as when footballers fall to the floor helping to "reduce the risk of a wrist injury". It can also reduce extension at the wrist joint."

Sports tape wrapped around wrists and sometimes fingers provides support and stability to wrist joints, protecting players during tackles, collisions or falls. Goalkeepers often tape fingers and wrists under gloves, while outfield players are also permitted to use tape. Safety rules from the International Football Association Board prohibit tape covering jewellery. Tape can reduce inflammation and swelling after wrist injuries and can be used to wipe sweat. Tape may be applied for prophylactic injury prevention, to limit wrist extension and to provide reassurance after injury. Tape use can reflect superstition, personal identity on the pitch, or individual preference, with many tutorial videos online.

Read at www.bbc.com