Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville wants to see a rule change after an incident in the Carabao Cup final which led to Declan Rice being booed
17:19, 22 Mar 2026Updated 17:36, 22 Mar 2026
Declan Rice was booed during the Carabao Cup final which led to Gary Neville making a big admission
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Declan Rice was booed during the Carabao Cup final which led to Gary Neville making a big admission(Image: (Adam Davy/PA Wire))
Gary Neville demanded a rule change during the Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City. The Gunners won a throw as half-time approached with Declan Rice heading over to take it, however he was booed for taking a hefty amount of time before restarting the game.
As he was lining up the throw, Neville said on Sky Sports: "There are boos from the City fans, I think something is going to have to change [with throw-ins.]
"Not because of Arsenal, this is happening up and down the country, but the amount of time being taken on set-pieces is too much."
Long throw-ins have become more common in the Premier League this season with many teams having centre-backs to take them which often sees the action paused for a considerable amount of time and Neville is clearly fed up by the time being eaten.
It is unclear exactly what could be implemented to stop delays to the restart though it has become clear that something does need to be done.
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Though Arsenal have become set-piece specialists, they created several chances from open play in the first half against City.
James Trafford was forced into several quick fire saves to deny Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka early on, with Pep Guardiola's side largely restricted.
Despite that, Antoine Semenyo has been causing serious problems for Pierro Hincapie, who was booked midway through the half, with Abdukodir Khusanov also shown a yellow card for a firm challenge on Viktor Gyokeres.
Unsurprisingly, most of City's joy came down the right with Semenyo and his cross right on half-time was narrowly headed over the bar by Erling Haaland.
Both teams were handed injury blows in the lead up to the clash with Ruben Dias missing out due to a hamstring injury that he suffered against Real Madrid.
Eberechi Eze also picked up a problem in Champions League action with Jurrien Timber another Gunners star to miss out after suffering a recent injury.
Arsenal duo Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber
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Arsenal duo Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber missed the Carabao Cup final due to injuries
Speaking on both ahead of the game, Arteta said: "They couldn't make it, so I think they will still be a couple of weeks. Let's see after the international break if we have anybody back.”
Those two key players have subsequently joined Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino, with the latter spotted at Wembley on crutches, on the absences list.
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However, the hope is that the other three will be back for Arsenal's next game which is two weeks away due to the March international break being on the horizon.
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