Former Newcastle United star Martin Dubravka became the first player to be punished by a new Premier League rule.
Indeed, the Premier League has this season introduced a rule where a goalkeeper can be punished for holding onto the ball for too long.
In an effort to reduce time-wasting, new guidelines have been set.
Until the start of the 2025/26 campaign, the law had been a six-second rule. Any goalkeeper who exceeded that and failed to distribute the ball by then risked giving away an indirect free-kick, though it was hardly ever applied.
Now, however, goalkeepers will be punished if they do not move the ball within eight seconds. A corner will be given to the opposing team.
Dubravka, who left Newcastle for Burnley, made history on Saturday.
Martin Dubravka tries to stop Richarlison's goal for Tottenham against Burnley.
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Martin Dubravka breaks new eight-second rule
The 36-year-old made his competitive debut for the Clarets on Saturday in their 3-0 loss away at Tottenham.
It was tough for the Slovakian international, who has replaced James Trafford in the Burnley goal after the former Newcastle target joined Manchester City.
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Even before Richarlison’s first goal gave Spurs the lead, Dubravka was punished.
He became the first player in Premier League history to break the eight-second rule, with a corner awarded by referee Michael Oliver.
Burnley cleared the early corner but still slumped to a dismal defeat on their return to the Premier League.
Eddie Howe was a huge fan of Dubravka, who impressed when standing in for Nick Pope last season.
It’s fantastic to see him get a move where he can play regular football, too. According to Sofa Score data, all of his three saves came from inside the box, while he also produced three high claims.
Tottenham vs Burnley statistics Martin Dubravka
Saves 3
Saves inside the box 3
Touches 38
High claims 3
Martin Dubravka’s stats for Burnley vs Tottenham, data via Sofa Score
Clearly, a 3-0 loss is hardly the ideal set of circumstances in which to start but the Burnley Express gave Dubravka a decent enough grade on his debut.
They handed him a 6/10 and said: “Made two or three good saves, but could have done little about the three goals. Needs to be more dominant dealing with corners though.”