Bosses facing a pitch battle

SNOW JOKE: Clearing pitch at Anfield PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs will be urged to change the rulebook next season – despite Jurgen Klopp’s claim that Liverpool did not tamper with the Anfield pitch.

The title-chasing Merseysiders sparked controversy on Wednesday night when seven members of the club’s groundstaff swept snow from one half of the playing surface during the half-time interval of the 1-1 draw with Leicester.

Klopp insisted it was not a deliberate ploy designed to help Liverpool’s attackers cope with the icy conditions.

The Kop boss said his club did not have the manpower to clear the entire playing surface and that the efforts of seven members of staff were also hindered by half-time entertainment taking place on the pitch.

But the Daily Star Sunday understands that a number of clubs are concerned the episode has exposed a loophole in Premier League regulations.

And the issue will be raised with league bosses before the new rules are signed off for next season.

By the letter of the law, Liverpool did nothing wrong.

Pitch protection measures outlined in the Premier League rulebook do not include provision for the removal of snow and ice.

Rule K.23 states: “In order to protect the pitch, unless otherwise mutually agreed between both participating clubs, the following procedures shall be adopted by players and officials in the periods immediately before and after a league match and at half time.”

It adds: “...the home club may water the pitch at half time provided that it gives reasonable notice to the referee and the other club that it intends to do so and that any such watering is carried out evenly over the entire length and width of the pitch.”

The Premier League’s Chairman’s Charter demands clubs adhere to the rulebook and also to the spirit of the game.

Klopp complained after the stalemate with Leicester that the arctic conditions hindered his team in their bid to move seven points clear at the top of the table.

But the German insisted no order was given for the groundstaff to only clear snow from the end his team were attacking in the second half.