Credit: Imago

Daniel Davis

Tue 24 March 2026 15:10, UK

Leeds United were not happy with Brentford’s time-wasting at the weekend – but Wayne Rooney has already devised a tongue-in-cheek solution to the problem.

The Whites played out a 0-0 draw at Elland Road on Saturday to move four points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, but the showdown was hardly easy on the eye.

In fact, it was largely forgettable, with supporters at both ends of the ground irritated by the theatrics and stoppages that rendered the second half a war of attrition.

On one occasion, Caoimhin Kelleher, the visitors’ goalkeeper, went down, which allowed Keith Andrews to use the pause to deliver tactical instructions.

Leeds were ultimately still able to clinch a point, an invaluable result in the dogfight near the foot of the table, but the incident was the latest in a worrying top-flight trend.

What did Wayne Rooney say about time-wasting?

While Rooney is certainly not the most popular man in Yorkshire, he did make a good point.

On the latest episode of Stick to Football, the panel discussed the increase in goalkeeper time wasting, with Rooney jokingly insisting that play should continue regardless.

“If all the team go over, just play on!” he added. “Just say you’ve got five seconds.”

While the idea is flawed, it would help to clamp down on the scourge. Leeds may well be on board, too, judging from an X post which took a swipe at Brentford’s gamesmanship.

“Becoming a common occurrence this season, as Kelleher goes down needing treatment after Leeds make substitutes,” the Whites said after 70 minutes.

The subsequent reaction put the spotlight on time-wasting, and Keith Hackett has urged FIFA and IFAB to take action to urgently crack down on the problem.

Premier League time-wasting on the rise

It is clear that the authorities must push back against such stunts. This season’s ball-in-play time stands at around 55 minutes, which is down on the past two campaigns.

Admittedly, VAR stoppages have worsened the issue, but IFAB have looked to respond to players taking matters into their own hands, with sweeping proposals approved.

From June 1, goalkeepers will be given a five-second countdown for goal-kicks and throw-ins, while substituted players must leave the pitch within 10 seconds.

These are steps in the right direction, and there will likely be plenty more to come. It is just a crying shame they weren’t in place at Elland Road last weekend.