Arsenal and City face disqualification over too many substitutions

LONDON: The English League Cup descended into fresh farce with Arsenal and Manchester City dragged into a substitutions probe.

Arsenal needed extra-time to beat Norwich 2-1 and City saw off Wolves in a penalty shootout in the fourth round but both are waiting to discover if they broke rules over substitutions.

The English Premier League giants made four changes — two in extra-time — and the Canaries will demand clarification from the English Football League (EFL).

Four substitutions are a novelty for Cup ties this season but the rules imply only one can be used after 90 minutes.

When asked if Arsenal’s substitutions had been within the rules, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said: “Yes.”

Norwich boss Daniel Farke added: “I think the rule has changed but it is complicated.”

Norwich staff were talking about the rule after the game but Wolves, who held out for a 0-0 draw with City at the Etihad, were unaware of the possible probe.

League Cup rule 10 states: “Each team is permitted up to seven substitutes of whom not more than three may take part in the match.

“Where any match goes to extra-time each club will be permitted to use an additional substitute (in extra-time only).”

But both referees on Tuesday — Andy Madley at the Emirates and Kevin Friend at the Etihad — allowed the Premier League clubs to make two during the extra period.

The competition is no stranger to controversy after a cock-up in the second-round draw.

When Alex McLeish and John Salako made the draw, the EFL had to issue a clarifying statement.

Brentford, Ipswich, and Charlton were all given away ties having initially thought they were at home.

Brentford tweeted at the time: “We will be at home to QPR”, before following up with: “Or we might be away, we’re not quite sure!”.

And the third-round draw was held in Beijing in China at 4.15am UK time. — The Sun, London