Liverpool is set to be cautioned by the Premier League for potentially violating the multi-ball protocol during their recent match against Manchester United. The incident involved ball assistants throwing balls to Liverpool players when they went out of play, which goes against the designated procedure of having replacement balls placed on cones around the field.
The rule change, which came into effect in the 2022/23 season, mandates that outfield players must either retrieve the ball themselves or head towards the nearest cone. Goalkeepers are the only exception when initiating play with a goal kick. Premier League guidelines strictly prohibit any interference with the multi-ball system, match balls, or replacement balls at any point.
Aston Villa previously faced a £125,000 fine for failing to adhere to the protocol in five matches last season, including instances where ball assistants handed the ball to their players. They were also restricted from using the multi-ball system in their initial three home league fixtures this season. The Premier League emphasized the importance of clubs following the rules to maintain fairness and prevent any competitive advantages.
Although reports suggest Liverpool may escape a fine this time, there has been no official comment from the club or the Premier League. Following their defeat, Arne Slot, reflecting on his team’s performance, highlighted the challenges of facing a quality opponent like Manchester United and the significance of converting scoring opportunities in big matches.
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