Gravenberch cleared to start season

Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch can play in the Community Shield after a red card last season, because the ban applies only to the Premier League.

Gravenberch suspension loophole explained amid Palace clash

Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was sent off in the final Premier League game of last season for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity against Crystal Palace. The red card occurred late in a 1-1 draw that spoiled some title celebrations, as Mohamed Salah salvaged a point with a late equaliser.

Club officials confirmed the sanction rules allow the ban to stay within the Premier League, meaning Gravenberch can feature in the Community Shield at Wembley. The FA could choose to extend the ban to all domestic competitions, but this did not happen. As a result, the ban will continue into the start of the new Premier League season, which begins on August 15.

This case shows how regulation can create gaps that teams exploit, affecting preparation and fairness at the start of a season. It underscores the tension between league rules and domestic competition rules, a gap that invites scrutiny from clubs and fans alike.

The situation also tests how audiences perceive governance in football. Fans want consistent, transparent rules they can trust from kickoff, not last-minute clarifications when results matter. The broader question is whether the sport’s authorities will simplify sanctions or leave fans to decode edges in the calendar.

Highlights

Rule clarity matters when the season begins.