Confusion reigns over Arsenal, City’s potential rule break
Arsenal and Manchester City will not be subject to any punishment after making four substitutions in their Carabao Cup fourth-round ties.
City saw off Wolves in a penalty shootout, while Arsenal needed extra-time to beat Norwich at the Emirates Stadium.
The Sun report that both clubs are awaiting judgement on whether they broke the rules over substitutions, however.
A rule change brought in this season permits clubs to make a fourth substitution, but there has been confusion as to when these substitutes can be made.
Carabao Cup Rule 10 states: ‘Each team is permitted up to seven substitutes of whom not more than three may take part in the match.
‘Where any match goes to extra-time each club will be permitted to use an additional sub (in extra-time only).’
Some – again, The Sun – have interpreted this rule as suggesting that only one change can be made in extra-time, but it appears as though this particular storm will not leave the tea cup.
Both Arsenal and City made four changes, with two coming in extra-time, and Gunners manager Arsene Wenger insisted that proper protocol had been followed.
Norwich boss Daniel Farke added: “I think the rule has changed but it is complicated.”
No controversy surrounding Arsenal extra-time subs. EFL says fine to make 2 when they only made 2 in first 90 minutes.
— Mattias Karén (@MattiasKaren) October 24, 2017
Conclusion: No rule break. The Sun are at it again. Obviously. Cheers.