Mike Dean hints at Premier League rule change for Everton and Liverpool next season

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has hinted at a possible change to a goalkeeper rule that often frustrates fans.

Supporters are frequently annoyed by the length of time a goalkeeper takes to play the ball on goal kicks or when they have it in their hands. At present, 'keepers should only have possession of the ball in their hands, or when it is dead, for no more than six seconds before playing it.

However, this rule is often ignored by goalkeepers who are trying to slow down the game or waste time. Manchester United's Andre Onana was arguably guilty of this during the first half at the Etihad Stadium, with his team leading thanks to a Marcus Rashford stunner.

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Manchester City fans were frustrated by how long the Cameroonian was taking, and Dean seemed to confirm a rule change for next season on Sky Sports.

He said: "I think they are going to up it next year to eight seconds, but I can't remember the last time a referee pulled a goalkeeper up for it.

"With the goal kicks, the time starts when the ball is placed on the floor anyway. They will keep doing it until the referee tells them otherwise."

If a goalkeeper is thought to be wasting time by the referee, they can be booked under the current rules of football. However, if a 'keeper isn't time-wasting but holds onto the ball for too long, the other team gets an indirect free kick and no booking is given.

Another former referee, Mark Clattenburg, would like to see harsher penalties introduced for time-wasting in the game. He told the No Tippy Tippy Football podcast: "One thing that irritates me is