Gary Neville demands Premier League rule change after what he saw in Sunderland vs Newcastle: ‘This is absolute madness’
Gary Neville was left incensed by a moment that occurred in the latter stages of Sunderland’s 1-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.
The pair of bitter North East rivals played out a typically fiery Tyne-Wear derby, and it was Regis Le Bris’ men who emerged from the battle victorious.
Nick Woltemade’s own goal secured all three points for Sunderland, as they snatched the local bragging rights from a Newcastle side whose campaign continues to be somewhat disjointed.
Eddie Howe’s men remain in the bottom half of the Premier League after their latest defeat, and Neville was quick to point out a moment of controversy that went under the radar in the dying embers of the game.
Gary Neville reacts to Granit Xhaka injury
Sunderland secured a famous victory over Newcastle in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016, and they extended their unbeaten league run against their rivals to an impressive 10 games.
The Wearsiders fought hard for a victory that has lifted them up to seventh in the table, and they were made to work for every inch across the 90 minutes.
That was the case right into stoppage time, when tempers flared following a late challenge from Joe Willock on Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs.
Granit Xhaka was left bleeding after the ensuing melee, and even after receiving treatment for his head injury, he was forced to remain off the pitch for 30 seconds, leaving his team to defend a man light for the crucial final moments.
Neville was seething with the incident, and was quick to voice his displeasure towards the rule regarding injury treatment, which has come into play this season.
“This rule is absolute madness,” the 50-year-old said during Sky Sports’ coverage of the game.
“I just do not like it all.”
What is the Premier League’s 30-second rule after treatment?
The Premier League have introduced several new rules this season, with one being the situation that Neville has taken issue with.
The period of time that players spent off the field after receiving treatment on the pitch used to be up to the referee’s discretion, but now when a head injury occurs, there is a mandatory period of 30 seconds that must be served.
In instances like this one, when Xhaka quickly ran off the pitch to receive his treatment, a player can effectively be left standing on the side of the pitch in exchange for a delay that he didn’t cause.
The rule has clearly been introduced with concussions and other potentially serious head injuries in mind, but at the same time, it has also led to situations like this being created, which are baffling for all to see.