Liverpool could be punished by the Premier League after it emerged that they breached league protocol multiple times during their defeat to Manchester United
15:46, 21 Oct 2025
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 19: Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, reacts during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on October 19, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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Liverpool could be punished by the Premier League(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
Liverpool are set for a dressing down from the Premier League following claims they violated the multi-ball protocol on numerous occasions during Sunday's loss to Manchester United.
The league is expected to issue a reminder of the regulations that were first brought in during the 2022/23 campaign. Ball assistants were seen throwing replacement balls to Liverpool players after they had gone out of play following Harry Maguire's 84th-minute strike that put United 2-1 ahead.
Under the current system, spare balls should remain positioned on cones around the perimeter of the pitch rather than being passed directly to players.
The regulation came into force last year, mandating that outfield players must either collect the ball themselves or head to the nearest cone for a replacement. Only goalkeepers are exempt from this rule when taking goal kicks.
Premier League guidelines clearly state that "participants must not interfere with the multi-ball system, the match ball or the replacement balls at any time."
Harry Maguire
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Harry Maguire scored the winner to beat Liverpool
The rules warn that "any failure to follow the multi-ball protocol will be referred to the Premier League for further investigation and possible regulatory action under the Premier League rules."
Aston Villa were hit with a £125,000 penalty in mid-August after admitting they had breached protocol across five fixtures last season, including multiple instances where ball assistants passed balls directly to their players.
Villa were also banned from operating the multi-ball system for their opening three home league fixtures this term.
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The Premier League issued a statement saying: "Clubs are required to adopt a multi-ball system at every league match and 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."
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According to the Daily Mail, it's expected that Liverpool will avoid a fine, and it's also noted that United have not lodged a complaint. So far, neither Liverpool nor the Premier League have made any comments.