Burnley’s Dubravka penalised under new 8-second goalkeepers rule
The Premier League has introduced a new rule aimed at increasing the pace of the game, and it has already had its first victim. Martin Dubravka, Burnley’s new goalkeeper, became the first goalkeeper to be penalised under the new eight-second rule during the match against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
As per the new law, a goalkeeper holding the ball for more than eight seconds will be punished with a corner for the opposition. Referees on the other hand, will warn the goalkeepers with a five-second countdown, giving them a chance to release the ball before the penalty is enforced.
Dubravka, who joined Burnley on a permanent deal from Newcastle United last summer, was caught holding onto the ball for 9.5 seconds during the match against Spurs. The referee, Michael Oliver, immediately blew his whistle and awarded a corner to Tottenham, much to the frustration of the Burnley players and fans.
The new rule aims to reduce the amount of time goalkeepers waste on the ball, allowing the game to flow more quickly and providing more opportunities for attacking teams to score. However, some goalkeepers have expressed concerns that the rule could lead to more mistakes and increase the pressure on them to make quick decisions.
“I understand what the rule is trying to do, but it’s not easy,” said Dubravka after the match. “As a goalkeeper, you need to have time to think and make decisions. If you’re rushed, you’re more likely to make a mistake. I’m not saying it’s a bad rule, but it’s something we’ll need to get used to.”
The rule has been introduced following a study by the Premier League which found that goalkeepers were holding onto the ball for an average of 12 seconds per game last season. This was seen as a significant factor in slowing down the pace of the game, particularly in the second half of matches.
The study also found that goalkeepers were more likely to hold onto the ball when their team was trailing, and that this was often a deliberate tactic to waste time and kill off the opposition’s momentum. The new rule aims to prevent this by providing a clear incentive for goalkeepers to release the ball quickly.
While Dubravka became the first victim of the new rule, he was not the only goalkeeper to be penalised during the match. Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris was also warned by the referee for holding onto the ball for 8.2 seconds, although he managed to release it quickly enough to avoid a penalty.
The introduction of the new rule has been welcomed by some fans and pundits, who see it as a positive change for the game. However, others have expressed concerns that it could lead to more mistakes and controversy, particularly if referees are inconsistent in their application of the rule.
“I think it’s a good idea, but it’s not going to solve all the problems,” said former England goalkeeper David Seaman. “Goalkeepers are going to have to adapt to the new rule, and it’s going to take some time. But overall, I think it’s a step in the right direction.”
The Premier League has confirmed that the new rule will be enforced throughout the remainder of the season, and that referees will be given guidance on how to apply it consistently.
As the season continues, we can expect to see more goalkeepers penalised under the new rule, and it will be interesting to see how the rule develops and evolves over time. One thing is certain, however – the introduction of the eight-second rule has already caused a stir in the Premier League, and it will be a key topic of discussion in the coming weeks.
