Dermot Gallagher delivers verdict on potential rule changes that could affect Leeds on restart
The Championship are still hoping to play out the remaining fixtures this season behind closed doors – something Leeds United are very keen on too.
If that happens – and there’s no guarantee it will – there could be some rule changes for referees to enforce.
It’s been mooted that teams could use up to five substitutes to counter the lack of match fitness and potential injuries to players.
It has also been suggested that players could get yellow cards for spitting, with that seen as a real concern in terms of spreading the virus.
Talking on a Ref Watch special on Sky Sports News (Saturday, 12.30pm), former Premier League Gallagher was asked what he made of the potential rule changes.
First, he was asked about the potential to use five subs.
“Well, referees would have to be guided by the authorities,” Gallagher said. “They have to decide with the scientists and the medical people, what players can do, what they can’t do, what they’re capable of doing after this break.
Referees are in their hands. If there’s special dispensation to use extra substitutes, that’s what they’ll do.”
Spitting is a more contentious rule and it’s a very common occurrence on the pitch and even on the sidelines.
“Again, we’d be guided by the medical people, there’s lots of discussion, nothing hard and fast has been agreed, but if it is agreed then referees will have to abide by it,” Gallagher said.
“I’m not sure it will be as easy to implement as you think because it’s very difficult to see 22 players at any one time on the field.”
Things are going to have to change.
Spitting is commonplace in football but it’s definitely done much, much less in other sports.
Does that mean it’s more habitual than necessary?
Players might say they have to spit but there’s such an obvious risk here that we completely agree with yellow cards.
It might be hard to implement but players need to keep this to an absolute minimum.
It’s going to be just a part of the brave new world when football does kick-off again.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay: This is what the Championship ‘as a whole’ thinks of Leeds being handed promotion