The Premier League has introduced a sudden rule change that affects the “Iconic Liverpool Tactic” used during their remarkable Champions League semi-final comeback against Barcelona in 2019. The new rule aims to prevent teams from gaining an unfair advantage through direct contact between players and ball boys/girls, specifically targeting Liverpool’s famous quick throw-in tactic.
In the match against Barcelona, Trent Alexander-Arnold surprised everyone by taking a quick corner that caught Barcelona off guard. This allowed Divock Origi to score, completing a remarkable 4-0 victory. The quick throw-in was only possible because Oakley Cannonier, who was then an academy player, quickly returned the ball to Alexander-Arnold.
According to a report from the Daily Mail, a new rule has been implemented for ball boys/girls. They will now be required to place balls on plastic cones placed around the pitch instead of handing them directly to players. The rule has been immediately put into effect, with two balls placed behind each goal and five balls along each side of the pitch. Ball assistants will only be permitted to retrieve the balls and place them on the cones. They may even be required to sit away from the perimeter of the pitch.
The new rule is expected to impact teams such as Manchester City. In the past, teams like them have requested ball boys/girls to return the ball quickly to keep up their fast-paced style of play.
