Frank Lampard has hit out at the Premier League rule which meant Everton failed to register Neal Maupay ahead of their clash with Leeds United on Tuesday evening.
The Blues had initially hoped to have their new striker available for their trip to Elland Road having confirmed his arrival from Brighton on Friday evening. The Frenchman signed a three-year deal at Goodison Park, with the option of a further year, arriving for what has officially been described as an undisclosed fee.
However, Premier League rules dictate that new signings must be registered by 12pm on the last available working day before a club's matchday. With Monday being a bank holiday, that meant Everton had until midday on Friday to register Maupay, a deadline they missed by four hours.
