| IMPUDENT | Forward unwise to ignore introduction from referee |
| STICKLER | From "referee, umpire", word for one who is punctiliously and scrupulously insistent, aka a fusspot, pedant or purist; or, a puzzle/problem (8) |
| PENALTIES | Punishments that football teams might receive from referees |
| NOISILY | Top player unwise to ignore length with racket (7) |
| ATHLETIC | Powerful one act play to include introduction from Hugh Grant (8) |
| PREAMBLE | Introduction from pair beginning to engross male excited about book (8) |
| CRAVE | Long for introduction from Ricetti to enter grotto |
| PALM | Execute part of a card trick from China, with introduction from magician (4) |
| IMPOUND | Appropriate introduction from Ezra (7) |
| GIOVANNIISI | Introduction from an Italian guy who doesn't speak much English? |
| MATURESTUDENTS | Undergraduates mustn't read set works without introduction from university |
| IMALLRIGHTJACK | Selfish comment every Tory read in introduction from London? |
| SENEGALESE | Mostly transmitted lawyer's words, omitting introduction from West Africa |
| PLEASANTRY | Jocularity of agricultural working class, welcoming introduction from landowner |
| PROEM | Introduction from expert on origins of electric magnet (5) |
| PRELUDE | Introduction from priggish type including the Spanish (7) |
| STELLAR | Fab McCartney, perhaps with introduction from Ringo (7) |
| IMPUGNED | Questioned introduction from Homer's neighbour, clutching dog (8) |
| TANKARD | Aquarium commercial including introduction from Rick Stein? (7) |
| WITCH | Live streaming company missing introduction from Ten Hag |
