CRYSTAL PALACE have landed themselves in hot water after breaking Women’s Super League rules in their season-opening win.
The newly-promoted Eagles sealed a 1-0 victory over Everton thanks to Lexi Lloyd-Smith’s first half strike on Sunday.
4
4
But WSL chiefs have launched an investigation after Palace used four substitution windows during the showdown.
Competition rules state clubs can only make changes in a maximum of three stoppages in play.
And Palace are now at the centre of a probe which could result in being slapped with a severe punishment.
A WSL statement read: “We can confirm there was a breach of competition rules in the Crystal Palace versus Everton match.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
WHEL I NEVER
Premier League icon sacked after just FIVE league games in dismal reign
Welcome player
Join Sun Vegas now and claim a 100% deposit match bonus and 100 free spins
“Crystal Palace used a fourth substitution opportunity during a fourth stoppage in play, when the rules permit a maximum of three substitution opportunities per match.
“We will now conduct an investigation alongside both clubs and Pro Ref and update in due course.”
The WSL does not have an automatic penalty for substitution rule breaches.
But Palace may be referred to an independent tribunal, which would have the power to impose a warning, fine, points deduction or other sporting sanctions including replaying the clash.
Most read in Sport
BERNIE ARREST
Bernie Ecclestone, 95, arrested for ‘illegally carrying shotgun at airport’
WHEL I NEVER
Premier League icon sacked after just FIVE league games in dismal reign
MOSES SUSPENDED
Brit SUSPENDED from fighting after Hrgovic loss and worrying hospital dash
PARTY TIME
Jamie Vardy’s new life in Burnley as he and Rebekah ditch £2m Lake Garda mansion
SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS
Saturday 12 September
Bournemouth
15:00
EPL
Brentford
Villa
15:00
EPL
Forest
Chelsea
15:00
EPL
Hull
Palace
15:00
EPL
Ipswich
Liverpool
15:00
EPL
Fulham
Spurs
17:30
EPL
Everton
Sunderland
20:00
EPL
Arsenal
Sunday 6 September
Arsenal
2 – 1
EPL
Chelsea
Everton
2 – 2
EPL
Man Utd
Saturday 5 September
Hull
0 – 0
EPL
Villa
Forest
0 – 0
EPL
Spurs
Man City
1 – 0
EPL
Coventry
Fulham
2 – 3
EPL
Palace
English Premier League
Pld
Pts
GD
W
D
L
Form
1
3
9
5
3
0
0
2
3
9
5
3
0
0
3
3
7
3
2
1
0
4
3
6
1
2
0
1
5
3
5
3
1
2
0
6
3
5
2
1
2
0
7
3
5
2
1
2
0
8
3
5
2
1
2
0
The Eagles breached WSL rules in the seventh minute of stoppage time, when Kirsty Howat replaced Shannon O’Brien.
Palace boss Jo Potter had already used three separate substitution windows to send on Abbie Larkin, Ashleigh Weerden and Allyson Swaby.
It has been confirmed the investigation will involve both clubs and referee body Pro Ref.
And the match officials for Palace’s win over Everton, including whistleblower Megan Wilson, have been stood down from the next round of fixtures after failing to comply with regulations.
4
4
Palace were promoted to the WSL last season after grabbing the runners-up spot in the second-tier.
The Eagles are facing a daunting task when they make the short trip to Arsenal on Sunday.