When players in a UK or European Association Football match are waiting in the tunnel to come on, or about to come on as substitute, the match officials always inspect their boot studs; presumably to ensure they are firmly fixed, with no projecting nails which could cause injury.

Very recently — just the last few weeks in my observation — they have also taken to lifting the bottoms of players' shorts a couple of inches to glance at the bit of thigh thus exposed.

What on earth are they looking for there?

~Michael~