Many football fans were left confused after Newcastle United made six substitutions during their 4-0 thumping of Aston Villa on Saturday. New rules introduced this season permit side to make five subsitutes from a bench of nine, at three intervals during the game, not including half-time.
However, with just four minutes remaining, Eddie Howe introduced Allan Saint-Maximin and Chris Wood in their last change of the game. This came on the back of Matt Targett, Jacob Murphy, Jamaal Lascelles and Jonjo Shelvey also coming on - leaving some supporters confused over the SIX changes.
Of course Newcastle hadn't broken any rules, and the reason lies in Villa's first-half change. Premier League rules state that if the opposition make a concussion sub, then you are granted a free substitution yourself. So when visiting keeper Emi Martinez was forced off following a clash with Tyrone Mings, United were handed the opportunity to add to their substitutes.
