First Northern Ireland gave it a go and now Spain have changed their kick-off tactics as per the new rules.
A brand new set of rule amendments debuted at the ongoing European Championships in France and one of the most striking ones has already been on display in the tournament.
On Sunday, Northern Ireland seemed to adopt a strange approach to kick-off in their Group C opener against Poland as Steven Davis knocked the ball backwards to a teammate rather than tip it forward as we’ve grown accustomed to.
It baffled supporters!
I've noticed an anomaly in the #NIRPOL game. Steven Davis took the kick off, but simply passed it back. The ball must go FORWARDS! #EURO2016
— PabloPaisley (@PabloPaisley) June 12, 2016
Can anyone clarify the Steven Davis one man #NIR kick off? @philmcnulty @RobbieSavage8 @rioferdy5
— Tom Incorporated (@tominco) June 12, 2016
https://twitter.com/seangraham26/status/742115226997428224
The new law allows players to pass the ball in any direction rather than solely forwards. As long as the ball moves then the direction no longer matters.
And Spain took full advantage on Monday afternoon by passing all the way back to Gerard Pique to get their Group D clash with the Czech Republic started.
What did I just watch in the Spain game? This is not how you kick off? When did the rules change?? pic.twitter.com/C4RSZZ7S4Y
— Liam Dennis (@Liam_Dennis) June 13, 2016
This one-man kick-off will take an awful long time to get used to.
