Spirit of the game called into question

A double substitution 13 seconds into a National League football match has raised questions about the spirit of the game. Manukau United controversially replaced their two required under-20 players in the first stoppage of their game against Takapuna AFC in Auckland on Saturday. ‘‘It is disappointing to see the action Manukau United took on Saturday, in their game against Takapuna AFC, by substituting their only two U20 players after just 13 seconds,’’ a NewZealand Football spokesperson said. New Zealand Football introduced the under20 rule in 2021 in an effort to help with youth development. It means a side must start a minimum of two under-20 players. Leo Hall and Caleb Prasad were pulled from the field after Hall kicked the ball out.