The Premier League are ‘considering’ a controversial rule change in the aftermath of the 2024/25 campaign’s conclusion.
On Sunday, the 2024/25 season came to an end with Liverpool lifting the Premier League trophy, Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle secured qualification for the Champions League while Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest missed out and will play in the Europa League.
And despite relegation and the title having already been decided, gameweek 38 was not without controversy.
During Manchester United’s 2-0 win against Villa, Unai Emery’s side had a goal controversially ruled out for an alleged foul on the Red Devils’ goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
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Referee Thomas Bramall awarded a free-kick in United’s favour, and because he had blown the whistle before Morgan Rogers’ shot crossed the goalline, VAR was unable to intervene.
After the match, Villa lodged an official complaint with the PGMOL “to raise concerns over the selection process of match officials following today's game with Manchester United at Old Trafford”.
But the rule change does not relate to the events that occurred at Old Trafford and instead involved former United skipper Gary Neville.
Neville, 50, revealed last week that Nottingham Forest "would not give me an accreditation or access to the stadium as a co-commentator" ahead of Sunday’s match with Chelsea.
"I've had no choice but to withdraw from the coverage," Neville added.
"I've dished out my fair share of criticism and praise in the last 14 years of doing this job and have never come close to this unprecedented action.
“Personally, I think it’s disappointing that a great club like Nottingham Forest have been reduced to making such a decision. Whilst they have every right to choose who they let into their own stadium, it’s symptomatic of things that have happened over the last 12 months with the club.”
This came after Neville urged Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo to “negotiate his exit” following the 2-2 draw with Leicester on May 11.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis appeared to engage in a heated discussion with Nuno on the City Ground’s pitch following the game, during which forward Taiwo Awoniyi sustained a serious abdominal injury.
As reported by the Mail, senior figures at the Premier League, Sky and other broadcasters have been alarmed at the controversial step taken by Forest.
This has prompted discussions which could result in a rule change, as clubs currently have the ability to decide who is allowed to enter both their stadiums and training facilities.
Topics: Premier League, Nottingham Forest, Gary Neville, Football, Champions League
Luke Davies