ASTON VILLA are leading the latest Premier League revolt after a major rule change has left clubs baffled.
This season, referees will order any player who receives medical attention on the pitch to stay on the touchline for 60 seconds.
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The team is then reduced to ten men.
AND if the player takes more than ten seconds to leave the field once substituted – his replacement is not permitted on the field until the first break in play after a minute passes on the clock.
The Villans are not on their own in their refereeing body Pro Ref protests, according to the Daily Mail.
Reports suggest that there is a general feeling of uncertainty that the referees are properly considering whether the star is genuinely injured – or just time-wasting.
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Right-back Matty Cash was sent off the pitch for one minute at Hull after receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, Wolves were slapped with a punishment after Raul Jimenez took longer than ten seconds to hand over the captain’s armband.
Unai Emery’s squad was stripped bare this summer with Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne, and Emi Martinez all leaving.
And while they were able to hijack a move for Johan Manzambi, secure a new goalkeeper, and recruit the likes of Joao Gomes and Nicolas Jackson – it has still been a rough start to the season.
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The Birmingham side are searching for their first league win of the season following their brutal 4-0 defeat to Brighton.
Given they were underdogs against current champions Arsenal, a 1-0 loss was not the end of the world.
But a goalless draw against newcomers Hull has left them 17th after three games.
Their midweek Champions League victory may be a sign of a reversal of fortune with a 3-2 win over Club Brugge showing promise.
Villa will host Nottingham Forest, who have had an equally drab start to the season, today.
Emery is hoping that one ace in particular will find his spark after securing Alejandro Garnacho on loan from Chelsea.
The boss said: “His attitude is positive. Now he needs time and hard work every day and he is showing it.
“It’s most important to be consistent and demanding through his attitude, and then eventually he will achieve his best level.”