Liverpool are expected to receive a reminder from the Premier League about adhering to a key rule following their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.
The Reds’ fourth consecutive loss came after Harry Maguire’s late winner, but according to the Daily Mail, the club will now hold talks with the Premier League over repeated breaches of its multi-ball system regulations.
Introduced in 2022, the system places match balls on tees around the pitch to speed up play and prevent timewasting. Ball boys and girls are instructed not to hand the ball directly to players. However, during Sunday’s match, Liverpool reportedly ignored this rule several times — with ball retrievers throwing balls to players and manager Arne Slot even tossing one onto the pitch himself in the closing minutes.
United staff reportedly “raised eyebrows” at the incidents, though no formal complaint was made. There is, however, precedent for punishment. Aston Villa were fined £125,000 last season under Unai Emery for multiple breaches of the same system, including attendants handing balls directly to players and using extra balls for corners. Villa were also banned from using the multi-ball system for their first three home matches this season.
The Premier League has emphasized that all clubs must follow the multi-ball rules strictly to ensure fairness and prevent home sides from gaining an advantage.
While Liverpool are not expected to face a fine or ban like Villa, they are likely to receive a formal reminder to comply with the protocol and avoid future violations.
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