Martin Dubravka becomes the first goalkeeper penalised for holding onto the ball for more than eight seconds! ⏱️ https://t.co/EW6BfVzgt3
Dominant Spurs start Prem season in style - and they could get even stronger! 📽️ @TomBarclay_ https://t.co/iaxxXugbZx
Dominant Spurs start Prem season in style - and they could get even stronger 🤯 📽️ @TomBarclay_ https://t.co/0zmSV3KJtj
Tottenham Hotspur became the first team to benefit from a new Premier League rule implemented at the start of the 2025-26 season, which penalizes goalkeepers for holding the ball for more than eight seconds. During Burnley's debut match, goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was the first to be sanctioned under this rule, resulting in a corner kick awarded to Tottenham. The decision was officiated by referee Michael Oliver. This new regulation aims to speed up the pace of the game and has already drawn attention in its initial application. Tottenham's manager Thomas Frank celebrated his first Premier League win in charge of the team, describing the victory positively. The rule change and its enforcement have sparked discussion among fans and analysts, highlighting a notable shift in Premier League officiating standards.
