The Premier League has announced new rules regarding ball boys and ball girls throwing the ball back to players during matches. Previously, home teams were able to restart play quicker than visiting teams by having the ball boys and girls give them the ball. There have been incidents involving ball boys and ball girls this season, including Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno shoving a ball boy during a match. The new instructions will require players to collect the ball from the nearest cone themselves, and ball assistants will be responsible for returning balls to the cones. The changes aim to create a fair playing field for all teams.
In December, Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno had an incident with a ball boy during a match, where he appeared to shove the young assistant. This incident, along with others involving ball assistants during the season, has prompted the Premier League to introduce new rules to prevent any unfair advantages gained by home teams. There have been concerns about ball boys delaying the game by holding onto the ball, which led to the decision to have players collect the ball from cones instead. The changes include having four extra balls around the touchline to facilitate quicker play restarts.
Coventry boss Mark Robins was criticized for his behavior after his team’s cup quarter-final win over Wolves. Robins was seen celebrating in the face of a Wolves ball boy after his team scored a late winning goal. He later apologized for his actions, stating that the behavior was in response to the ball boy dropping the ball and walking away smiling. Despite Robins’ apology, Wolves boss Gary O’Neil called his behavior “disgusting,” highlighting the emotional impact on the young ball boy. The incident raised questions about how ball assistants should be treated during matches.
The new ruling by the Premier League aims to address the issues surrounding ball boys and ball girls in matches. It requires players to collect the ball from the nearest cone themselves, discouraging any delay tactics by ball assistants to gain an unfair advantage. The decision comes after several incidents involving ball assistants this season, including a notable FA Cup incident with Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno. Coventry boss Mark Robins faced criticism for his behavior towards a ball boy, prompting discussions around the treatment of ball assistants and fair play in football matches.
The changes to the rules surrounding ball boys and ball girls come in response to concerns about the integrity of the game and ensuring a level playing field for all teams. By requiring players to collect the ball themselves and having ball assistants return balls to designated spots, the Premier League aims to prevent any potential time-wasting or delays caused by ball assistants. The incidents involving Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno and Coventry boss Mark Robins have highlighted the need for clear guidelines on how ball assistants should interact with players during matches. The new measures are designed to promote fairness and sportsmanship in football.
