Liverpool Cleared of Point Deduction Fears After Six Substitutions Controversy

As Liverpool continue their charge towards the Premier League title concerns arose among fans regarding possible points deduction after the team made 6 substitution in their 3 - 1 victory over Southampton in matchweek 28.

Controversy Over Extra Substitution

Liverpool overturned 1st half deficit to secure crucial win extending their lead at the top of the table to 16 point over 2nd placed Arsenal. Discussions quickly emerged on social media about whether the Reds had violated EPL rules by making 6 substitution instead of the permitted 5.

The PL regulations allow 5 substitution across maximum of 3 stoppages (excluding halftime). A 6th substitution's only permitted in extra time or in cases of suspected concussion.

Liverpool made the following substitutions during the game:

• Halftime (Andrew Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister, Harvey Elliott)
• 68 Minute: Diogo Jota
• 81 Minute: Wataru Endo
• 89 Minute: Jarell Quansah

Why Liverpool Avoids Punishment

Despite the apparent rule breach, Give Me Sport confirmed that Liverpool isn't at risk of losing points. The explanation lies in the Premier League’s concussion substitution protocol.

In the 19 minute, Southampton defender Armel Bella Kotchap suffered head injury and was substituted under concussion protocols. According to league rules when one team's granted additional substitution due to concussion, the opposing team's also allowed extra substitution to maintain fairness.

Since Southampton benefited from extra substitution, Liverpool’s 6th change was deemed legal, meaning their victory and 3 point remain unaffected.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.