Celtic’s manager, Brendan Rodgers, has expressed his reservations about the new football rule that allows for extended added time at the end of matches.
Last year’s World Cup provided the first instance of referees adding significant extra time to compensate for stoppages, with one match extending 14 minutes beyond the standard 90.
The domestic football scene has now adopted a rule directing referees to counteract time-wasting by adding those minutes to the end of the match. Many Celtic fans initially welcomed this change, noting that opposing teams often attempt to run down the clock against them to secure a favourable outcome.
The new rule aims to deter players from excessive time-wasting tactics, such as feigning injuries or goalkeepers taking an excessive amount of time for goal kicks. For instance, last season at Celtic Park, there were instances where a goalkeeper took nearly 30 seconds to resume play, and throw-ins took a similar amount of time.
This time-wasting means that what should be a 90-minute match often results in only 60-70 minutes of actual play, and in some extreme cases, even less.
However, Rodgers, the new Celtic manager, is concerned that this rule might increase the physical strain on his players, potentially leading to more injuries.
In an interview with RecordSport, Rodgers shared his concerns, stating, “For major clubs, this is concerning due to the sheer number of matches. Consider players like Callum McGregor, who plays 60 to 70 matches a season. Adding eight to ten minutes to each game accumulates over the season. Instead of reducing playtime for these players, we’re increasing it. It’s astonishing how much top-tier players are expected to play when some matches should be reduced.”
He further added, “I’m not entirely supportive of this rule. It’s acceptable to add a few minutes for severe injuries, but I don’t believe we should pause the clock for events like goal celebrations.”
Rodgers and his team will need to adapt to this change. If opposing teams realise they can’t waste time and allow the game to progress naturally, perhaps the need for significant added time will diminish.
I noticed a the Charity Shield at the weekend two players were booked in the first half for kicking the ball away.
That’s the way to deal with time wasting just book the players.
I remember Fraser Forster being booked at, I think Braga, in the first five minutes for time wasting.
Why can’t referees just enforce the rules ?
It would make the matches run quicker.