One part of the vaunted ‘reset’ of Premier League rules for this season is that all managers should be present at pre-match briefings with referees.
However, sources at multiple clubs have disclosed that this is simply not happening. Instead, sides continue to send their assistants, with the authorities seemingly turning a blind eye.
However, one group who cannot escape a pre-match chat with the ref are the ball boys and girls. Before each match, the ball attendants’ co-ordinator is dragged in for a summit in which they are told that shenanigans such as throwing the ball away when the opposition have a throw-in will not be tolerated.