08 August 2023 , 10:41
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Gary Neville believes there will be "massive problems" with the new Premier League and EFL regulations - and has already backed them to change as soon as possible.
In an attempt to clamp down on time wasting, referees have been ordered to make more clock stoppages and be stricter with adding on time. The new law changes was prevalent in the Community Shield as Arsenal edged out Manchester City on penalties at Wembley.
Leandro Trossard found the net in the 101st minute after Cole Palmer had given City the lead. Meanwhile, all but two matches went beyond 100 minutes in the EFL. The second half of Stoke's 4-1 Championship win over Rotherham did not kick off until 16:13 after two goals were scored during added-time of the first half.
However, Neville is certainly not a massive fan and agreed with Raphael Varane's statement he issued on Twitter. Speaking on The Overlap, Neville said: "I thought Varane's message was damning. It was a calm and calculated analysis of the situation. I watched Salford on Saturday and there was nine minutes added on.
"I couldn't believe it but they played three minutes added time on the nine. So it was 12! It isn't right. I think there will be massive problems with it. I think they will change it very quickly."
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Jamie Carragher added: "It is not just for time-wasting, they are stopping it for goals going in and substitutions. It used to just be 30 seconds for a substitution They are doing it on the clock and that is added on."
It comes after Varane spoke out on Monday to condemn the new rules. The United defender said: "From the managers and players, we have shared our concerns for many years now that there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players physical and mental well-being," he tweeted.
Over 100 minutes were played between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley (Getty Images)"Despite our previous feedbacks, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players. We just want to be in good condition on the pitch to give 100% to our club and fans. Why are our opinions not being heard?" he asked.
"We want to be at our maximum level, the best we can be and put on amazing performances for fans to celebrate every week. I believe it is important that we, players and managers, highlight these important issues as we want to protect the game we love and give the fans our best."
Rio Ferdinand responded to Varane's complaints, arguing the key lies to finding a compromise between entertaining fans and looking after player welfare. "We need to find a balance 100%," said the BT Sport pundit on Twitter. "Players and managers alongside the authorities planning and implementing for the betterment of the game. Finding a solution where all parties (including the fans) are happy must be the aim."