The Reds’ desperation to beat Manchester United led to them breaching Premier League rules
Liverpool are set to hold discussions with the Premier League after multiple breaches of the league’s multi-ball system were recorded during their recent defeat to Manchester United at Anfield.
The governing body will remind the club of the strict regulations introduced in 2022, which are designed to maintain fairness and consistency during matches.
Premier League set to remind Liverpool after Anfield controversy
The multi-ball rule, introduced three years ago, ensures that balls placed on tees around the pitch are the only ones to be used during play.
Ball boys and girls are prohibited from handing balls directly to players, and coaching staff are not allowed to intervene. However, several incidents late in the match against Manchester United broke these guidelines.
After Harry Maguire’s late goal handed United a shock lead, Liverpool’s ball attendants were seen lobbing balls to players to help restart play quickly.
Manager Arne Slot also tossed the ball to one of his players as the Reds pushed for a last-minute equaliser, while on two occasions, two balls were on the pitch simultaneously, a clear violation of the Premier League’s policy.
The Premier League will now remind Liverpool of the correct procedures. While Aston Villa were fined £125,000 last season for similar repeated breaches, Liverpool are not expected to receive a fine, as this appears to be an isolated incident rather than a systemic abuse.
No formal complaint from Manchester United
Sources indicate that Manchester United have not lodged an official complaint despite noticing the breaches, though “eyes were raised” among members of their travelling delegation. Instead, the Premier League is expected to issue a formal reminder rather than sanctions.
The rules were initially brought in to speed up play but also came with a warning against abuse — something Aston Villa fell foul of last season when they were also banned from using the multi-ball system for their opening three home games of the new campaign.
Liverpool, who declined to comment, are expected to comply fully with the Premier League’s directive in future.
The club’s meeting with officials is expected to reinforce the message that all teams must adhere strictly to the rules, even in high-pressure moments.
