Liverpool Set for Premier League Showdown After ‘Multiple Rule Breaches

Liverpool broke the rules in their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday.

Following Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, Liverpool will be reminded of a strict rule that they must observe by the Premier League.

The Reds suffered their fourth defeat in a straight after Harry Maguire’s winner, but according to a fresh Daily Mail report, they are preparing to meet with the Premier League following several breaches of its multi-ball system.

Since 2022, the method has seen balls placed on tees in various locations around the pitch.

Unlike in the past, ball boys and girls are now encouraged to leave balls on the tees for players to collect rather than hand them over.

This decision was announced in an effort to speed up play and reduce timewasting, but on Sunday, as the Premier League winners urgently sought a late equaliser, they broke the rules on several occasions.

The retrievers returned the ball to players, and Arne Slot tossed it to one of his stars near the 90-minute mark.

Premier League’s precedence for multi-ball rule violations
The restrictions also apply to coaching staff, and “eyes were raised” by United, though no complaint is thought to have been filed.

However, there is precedent in the Premier League, albeit under different circumstances.

Last season, Aston Villa were fined £125,000 for multiple breaches of the multi-ball system under Unai Emery.

The breaches, which occurred in a few games, were connected to protocol not being followed and balls being supplied to players by attendants rather than from cones.

In Villa’s example, extra balls were used when players took corners, as well as a ball thrown onto the pitch when an opposing custodian was about to attempt a goal kick with another ball.

They were barred from employing the multi-ball method in their first three home games of the current season, which ended with a 3-1 win over Fulham.

Clubs must use a multi-ball system in every league match, and adherence to the relevant rules and guidance is critical to maintaining consistency and, more importantly, ensuring that home clubs do not gain a competitive advantage through the system’s misuse,” the Premier League stated, according to the BBC.

“The club will pay a £125,000 fine and will be prohibited from operating the multi-ball system in its first three home league matches of the 2025/26 season.”

Liverpool is unlikely to face such a sanction, although the club may be reminded to follow the anticipated protocol and not repeat offences in the future.