RICCARDO CALAFIORI was not allowed to use a towel to dry the ball ahead of taking a long throw because of a little-known Premier League rule.
The Italian, 23, was preparing to launch the ball into the Newcastle United penalty area 27 minutes into Sunday’s dramatic clash only to be stopped by the referee.
The defender sought alternative ways to get around the little-known rule.[/caption]
It wasn’t the only time Australian official Jarred Gillett stopped Arsenal in their tracks.
Gillett had already overturned a penalty given for a foul by goalkeeper Nick Pope on Viktor Gyokeres.
That decision caused uproar from the Gunners and manager Mikel Arteta but Calafiori was left more confused than angry.
He was told to put down a towel taken from Pope’s goal when attempting to prepare the ball for a throw-in.
It came just one day after Crystal Palace‘s Jefferson Lerma had used a towel before his throw that led to Eddie Nketiah’s late winner against Liverpool at Selhurst Park.
The difference? Both teams had agreed to using towels before the game and therefore it was allowed.
According to Premier League rules, both clubs have to vote in favour of using towels around the pitch to dry the ball.
Should either team veto the decision or fail to agree on it, no towels are permitted to be used.
BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS
Goalies are allowed to use their own personal towels at will to dry their gloves or clean sweat away.
The Premier League has seen the return of regular long throws this season and continues to permit towels to be used, unlike the EFL.
In 2023/24, the Championship, League One, and League Two introduced a multi-ball system and banned towels in a bid to increase the amount of time the ball remains in play.
The Premier League has not gone that far but measures are in place to reduce confrontation and drama around balls on the sideline.
Arsenal have turned increasingly to long throws this year, sending in a barrage away at Paris Saint-Germain in May’s Champions League semi-final second leg in France.
Arteta’s men are one of the most effective at dead ball situations and made the most of them at St James’ Park, striking twice late on to complete a comeback win.
Calafiori, ultimately, had the last laugh.
