KOP SNOWGATE SPARKS RULE CALL

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

The title-chasing Merseysiders sparked controversy on Wednesday night when seven members of the club’s ground staff swept snow from one half of the playing surface during the half-time interval

of the 1-1 draw with Leicester. But

Sunday Mirror Sport understands some clubs are worried that it has exposed a Premier League regulation loophole.

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

Klopp insisted that 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 the efforts of seven staff were also hindered by half-time entertainment on the pitch.

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 K23 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 rule was designed to ensure teams compete on a level playing field.

But Liverpool unintentionally gained an advantage by clearing the half they were attacking in the second period. The Premier League’s Chairman’s Charter demands that clubs don’t just adhere to the rulebook, but also the spirit of the game.

Klopp is a big believer in marginal gains, but remained adamant that no order was given for ground staff to only clear snow from the end of the pitch that his team were attacking in

the second half.