Goalkeeper sin bin rule could leave Erik ten Hag with difficult Andre Onana decision to make

Goalkeepers could face a stint in the sin bin and won't be able to be directly replaced until their time out is over, according to new rules being considered by football's rule-makers.

The PA news agency understands that these rules would apply to all players on the pitch, including goalkeepers, but not to substitutes or team officials. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has been working on these trial protocols, which are designed to improve player behaviour. However, the publication of these rules, which were due to be released on Friday, has been delayed indefinitely.

If a goalkeeper is sent to the sin bin, their team will have to decide whether to bring on a substitute goalkeeper by taking off an outfield player for 10 minutes, or manage with an outfield player in goal during the temporary dismissal. If implemented at the top level, it would give the likes of Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag something to think about should his goalkeeper fall on the wrong side of the referee.

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If they chose the first option, they would then have to decide which goalkeeper to remove once the original one could return to the pitch, assuming they had enough substitutions left. The IFAB protocols' publication was delayed after several media reports on Thursday about the introduction of blue cards as part of sin bin trials.

It's been said that a backlash against the idea contributed to the delay, but the IFAB hasn't given an official reason for the delay. PA understands that the trials were never meant to be introduced into