Liverpool are set to be reminded by the Premier League of its rules on multi-ball, following multiple breaches of the system during their defeat to rivals Manchester United.
Under regulations introduced in 2022, balls are positioned on tees around the pitch with players expected to pick them up and ball boys and girls not permitted to hand them over.
However, on several occasions after Harry Maguire had given the visitors a late lead at Anfield, ball attendants lobbed the ball to Liverpool players as they chased an equaliser.
The rule extends to coaching staff and those in the technical areas, but Liverpool manager Arne Slot also threw the ball to one of his players as the clock approached 90 minutes and United closed in on a shock victory.
On two occasions, two balls were spotted on the field of play as the visitors held on for an unexpected three points.
The rules were brought in to speed up play, but came with warnings that the system should not be abused.
Liverpool are set for talks with the Premier League after breaching its multi-ball system
Arne Slot’s men were chasing a result after going a goal down inside the first 62 seconds
In August, Aston Villa were fined £125,000 after accepting they broke the multi-ball regulations in no fewer than five matches last season.
A report found that ball boys and girl handed the ball to Villa players on several occasions rather than following protocol and leaving them to collect them from the cones.
Indeed, extra balls were positioned in some matches for Villa players taking corners and on one occasion a ball was thrown onto the pitch when a visiting goalkeeper was already holding a ball ahead of restarting play with a goal-kick.
Daily Mail Sport understands that Liverpool not expected to be hit with a similar fine, given Villa were targeted for multiple and continued breaches. A reminder of the rules is the most likely outcome.
It is also thought that Manchester United did not issue a complaint, but that eyes were raised among the travelling delegation from Old Trafford.
The Premier League declined to comment but in similar instances clubs are often reminded of the need to respect and abide by the system. Liverpool also declined to comment.
Along with the fine, Villa were banned from operating the multi-ball system in its first three home Premier League matches of this season.
