Clips circulating online show Harry Maguire disrupting the multiball protocol after being taken off during the second half. ..Continue Reading
Instead of walking across the pitch after being substituted for Leny Yoro, referee Peter Bankes instructed him to leave via the closest boundary.
This route led Maguire behind the goal Chelsea were defending, where he breached league rules by playfully knocking a ball off one of the cones.
Behind each goal line, two spare balls are placed on cones aligned with the edge of the penalty area.
Players are expected to retrieve these balls to restart play, as the multiball system is intended to reduce interruptions when the ball goes out.
The Premier League states the system, introduced in the 2022/23 season, “intends to maintain the flow of matches and reduce delays”.
They also stress that “adherence to the relevant rules and guidance is of vital importance to maintain consistency and, crucially, to ensure that home clubs do not gain a competitive advantage through their misuse of the system.”
Outfield players must either retrieve the original ball or take one from the cones, rather than receiving it from ball assistants.
Only goalkeepers preparing for a goal kick are permitted to receive a ball from assistants positioned behind the goal.
According to the multiball guidelines: “Participants (including but not limited to players, substitutes, occupants of the Technical Area or any other Club personnel) must not interfere with the multiball system, the match ball or the replacement balls at any time.”
The rules also clarify: “Any failure to follow the multiball protocol will be referred to the Premier League for further investigation and possible regulatory action under the Premier League rules.”
While serious repercussions seem unlikely, Maguire may now be more cautious in future situations.
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