Harry Maguire’s Substitution Antics Could Spark Premier League Investigation

Manchester United secured a huge 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday evening, but the win hasn’t come without controversy. While Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro got the goals to help United bounce back from a poor run of form, it’s Harry Maguire’s actions off the pitch that may land the club in hot water with the Premier League.

Maguire’s unusual exit

During the second half, manager Ruben Amorim decided to substitute Maguire, replacing him with young defender Leny Yoro. As per Premier League rules, players are instructed to leave the pitch at the nearest exit rather than walking the full length of the field. Referee Peter Bankes directed Maguire to head off behind the goal Chelsea were defending.

On his way around, however, Maguire was caught on camera mischievously kicking away a spare ball that had rolled toward the stands. While it might have seemed like harmless fun to some, this actually goes against the Premier League’s strict multi-ball protocols.

What is the multi-ball system?

The multi-ball system was introduced in the 2022/23 season to help speed up games and reduce unnecessary delays. Spare balls are placed on cones behind each goal line, in line with the penalty area. When the ball goes out of play, players are supposed to either fetch it themselves or pick up one of these replacement balls.

Crucially, only goalkeepers are allowed to receive balls from ball assistants stationed behind the nets. Outfield players are expected to use the designated cones. This rule is in place to ensure fairness and to prevent home clubs from trying to gain an advantage by interfering with how quickly balls get back into play.

The Premier League has made it clear:

Players, substitutes, and staff must not interfere with the match ball or replacement balls.

Any breach of the protocol can be referred for investigation and potential regulatory action.

It’s unlikely that Maguire’s cheeky kick will lead to a heavy punishment for Manchester United, but the league could still look into the incident. Even minor breaches are taken seriously to maintain consistency across all matches.

For Maguire, it’s another unwanted spotlight moment. The centre-back was making his first start of the Premier League season after being used as a substitute in earlier fixtures against Arsenal, Fulham, and Manchester City. Having worked hard to earn back his place, he may now regret the light-hearted action that risks becoming an unnecessary distraction.

A win overshadowed?

United fans will hope the focus stays on the positive result. Fernandes opened the scoring after 20 minutes, finishing off Patrick Dorgu’s clever assist, before Casemiro doubled the lead with a powerful header. Even after Casemiro’s red card before half-time made the game more tense, United held firm to secure all three points.

But instead of only celebrating the victory, attention has now shifted to Maguire’s small but controversial moment. Whether or not the Premier League takes it further, the incident is a reminder that even minor lapses can create big talking points in football.