Everton star Jack Grealish broke obscure FA rule during Liverpool defeat

Everton winger Jack Grealish may well count himself fortunate to not have been sent off during his side's Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool at the weekend

Everton star forward Jack Grealish broke an obscure FA rule surrounding the addition of jewellry during his side's 2-1 Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool at the weekend. The Manchester City loanee was unimpressed with referee Darren England on Saturday and openly criticised the official for booking Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for taking a quick free kick and for adding just three minutes of stoppage time on at the end of the match.

However, the 30-year-old may be grateful that England was not more eagle-eyed during the contest in regards to a necklace that Grealish was seen wearing during the contest. According to FA Law 4.1, all jewellry including necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands and rubber bands must be removed before entering the field of play.

These are forbidden and using tape to cover them is also not allowed. The FA states that players should be inspected before the start of the match and substitutes before they enter the field of play.

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Should a player be seen wearing jewellry, the referee must instruct them to remove it or instruct them to leave the field of play should they be unwilling or unable to abide by that instruction. Furthermore, should the player refuse to comply or wears the item again, the referee should caution the player.

While the rule may hark back to the days of P.E. and seem rather harsh in the modern day, men's jewellry experts CRAFTD explained why this law remains important. "A necklace can catch on another player, get pulled, or strike the wearer in the face during contact, causing cuts, strangulation risk, or other injury," they claim.

"There is also a risk of injury to others as sharp edges, pendants, or chains can scratch, cut, or bruise opponents in tackles or aerial challenges. Jewellery can be a great accessory, but when you’re playing a contact sport like football, the smartest move is to take it off."

Had Grealish been booked for failing to take the necklace off, he would have been sent off at the full-time whistle after he was cautioned for remonstrating with England. There is no suggestion that Grealish meaningfully broke the rules or refused to take it off if/when the referee spotted him wearing it but the Everton man may not be so lucky next time.

Both Liverpool and Everton return to action in the Carabao Cup tonight. The Reds host Southampton while the Blues travel to struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers in the third round.

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