Leeds United return to the Premier League this evening and must be mindful of new and sometimes forgotten rules as they step up from the Championship.
Leeds kick off their Premier League campaign this evening hosting Everton, and Opta’s Supercomputer has backed Leeds to win.
Both Leeds and Everton have a few injuries, but there is excitement about which Leeds players could make their Elland Road debut this evening.
But as the Whites prepare, they will have to take yesterday’s fixture between Crystal Palace and Chelsea as a warning.
Palace’s Eberechi Eze powered home a free-kick from 20 yards in the 13th minute, however, the strike was ruled out by referee Darren England after a VAR check. The reasoning being Palace defender Marc Guehi was within one metre of Chelsea’s wall when the free-kick was taken.
The rule, which has been in place since 2019, is rarely applied but cost Palace hugely, and it’s not the only rule Daniel Farke’s Leeds will have to be aware of.
Referee Kevin Friend makes the VAR signal during the Premier League match between Leeds United and West Ham United.
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New VAR and goalkeeper rules Leeds United will have to follow
Ahead of the new season, the International Football Association Board confirmed the new rules, which will be put into effect, with two significant changes Leeds United and other Premier League clubs will have to get used to.
Referees will be allowed to explain VAR decisions in-stadium via the speaker systems this will happen when there has been a VAR review or an extended VAR check.
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The IFAB has also taken a strict approach to goalkeepers holding onto the ball for too long keepers will now be permitted to retain the ball for eight seconds, up from the previous six.
However, referees will lift their arms after three seconds and begin a countdown from five to ensure the ball is released within the time limit. Failure to do so will result in a corner kick being awarded to the opposing team.
There have also been a few minor adjustments to the game’s rules that clubs need to get to grips with. For example, referees will now require corners to be taken from the side closest to where the goalkeeper was positioned when they conceded the corner.
Furthermore, if a substitute or injured player is off the pitch, or a coach, kicks the ball onto the field, an indirect free kick will be awarded without any additional penalties.
This rule is designed to deter instances where players and coaches have kicked the ball while it was still in play to maintain the flow of the game. In the past, such actions would have led to a booking.
Gabriel Magalhaes and Rob Holding of Arsenal clash with Patrick Bamford of Leeds United.
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Leeds United’s most contentious VAR calls
Leeds United’s time in the Premier League has involved some run-ins with VAR that caused widespread debate.
One of the most infamous incidents involved striker Patrick Bamford in a 2020 match against Crystal Palace.
He had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside call, where VAR determined his arm was in an offside position while pointing for the ball.
The decision drew criticism from pundits and fans alike, with Bamford himself saying VAR was “ruining football” because of its focus on forensic, and often illogical, detail.
Another highly contentious moment occurred in a 2022 match against Arsenal. During a chaotic second half, a penalty was initially awarded to Leeds and Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes was shown a red card for kicking out at Bamford.
However, following a VAR review, the decision was overturned. VAR ruled that Bamford had fouled Gabriel first, and the red card was rescinded and a yellow given instead.