Liverpool braced for Premier League showdown after MULTIPLE breaches of new multi-ball system while chasing result against Man United

Liverpool are set to be reminded by the Premier League of its multi-ball rules following multiple breaches during their defeat to rivals Manchester United. The incidents occurred as Liverpool attempted to equalize after Harry Maguire scored a late goal for the visitors at Anfield, leading to the Premier League planning discussions with the club.

The multi-ball regulations, introduced in 2022, require balls to be positioned on tees around the pitch, with players expected to pick them up themselves and ball attendants prohibited from handing them over. However, during the match, ball attendants were observed lobbing the ball to Liverpool players on several occasions, and Liverpool manager Arne Slot also threw the ball to one of his players as the game approached the 90-minute mark.

Additionally, on two separate occasions, two balls were spotted on the field of play simultaneously, further violating the rules designed to speed up the game and prevent abuse of the system. These actions occurred while Manchester United held on for an unexpected victory, with Liverpool conceding a goal early in the match.

The Premier League's rules include warnings against such abuses, and Liverpool are now scheduled for talks regarding these breaches. This follows a precedent set in August, when Aston Villa were fined £125,000 for breaking multi-ball regulations in five matches last season, where ball attendants improperly handed balls to players instead of allowing them to be collected from cones.