Ex-PGMOL chief wants 'stupid law' changed after Dan Burn incident in Sunderland vs Newcastle

The football authorities should seriously consider making a rule change after Dan Burn was left injured in the Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the IFAB must address timeouts after players are treated for injuries in the Premier League.

Granit Xhaka was forced off the field after treatment on 14 December, infuriating Gary Neville live on Sky Sports, and that was an apparent theme during the 90 minutes at the Stadium of Light.

Nick Woltemade‘s own goal turned out to be the Black Cats’ winner in the derby, but the antics on the pitch were by far the main talking point, with a mass brawl breaking out between Sunderland and Newcastle players.

Newcastle United left furious after Dan Burn forced off vs Sunderland

It is already likely that both sides will face punishments following the scenes at the Stadium of Light, but it was the stoppages for injuries which left Hackett the most frustrated.

In the 34th minute, Nordi Mukiele caught Burn in the chest with a sliding challenge, leaving Eddie Howe‘s star in serious pain and in need of on-pitch treatment from the medical team.

The rule of players going off for 30 seconds was introduced to stop time-wasting, but with the 33-year-old in clear discomfort, then needing to be replaced, calls are being made to take leniency with the law.

Burn has been a key player for Newcastle, but after being injured by Mukiele, it could be a while until the central defender is available again, showcasing just how serious the incident was.

Keith Hackett calls for more leniency after Burn’s frustrating injury

Hackett, exclusively speaking to Football Insider on The Final Whistle, said: “It was a reckless challenge from the Sunderland player, and he received a yellow card, which was the right decision.  

“He’s coming in at pace; he’s hit Burn in the chest, and he was clearly struggling. He’s got this iron-man reputation. He’s someone anybody would want in their team.

“He went back on, and that was surprising to me. The one stupid piece of law here, though. The Sunderland player got the yellow card, and Burn was clearly injured.

“But he has to go off, wait thirty seconds before he’s allowed back on. Somehow, there should be a point at which you don’t have to wait 30 seconds.”

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