Heading in football has been under the spotlight for more than 20 years - scrutiny born of fear and confusion. New data shows the Scottish Premiership records significantly more headers per match than most of Europe's top leagues. BBC Scotland looked at figures from the start of season 2021 until now, covering aerial duels and headed clearances, in the top leagues of Scotland, England, Italy, France, Germany and Spain. Fans watching the Premier League in England can expect to see 28.7 aerial duels per match - nearly 50% fewer than Scotland. It is a similar picture in Germany, Spain and Italy, who all challenge for the ball in the air significantly less than in Scotland.

Source: BBC March 04, 2026 08:20 UTC