Premier League rule change 'probably was' made because of Newcastle United amid Jurgen Klopp jibe

Newcastle United assistant coach Jason Tindall says the new Premier League touchline rule 'probably was' introduced because of him and Eddie Howe.

Howe and Tindall have stood side-by-side on the touchline since beginning their coaching careers at AFC Bournemouth. However, the pair have had to alter their approach this campaign after the Premier League, along with the FA, EFL and PGMOL introduced a new rule regarding behaviour from managers and coaches in the technical area.

The rule prevents more than one person standing at the front of the technical area during matches. One other person is allowed to stand but must remain next to the dugout or else face being yellow carded, a punishment Tindall has avoided so far.

"I think we’ve responded to it alright," said Tindall. "We’ve worked together a long, long time, and it’s something we’ve always done. There were obviously new rules introduced in the Premier League, and it took a bit of getting used to, but I think we’ve done okay with it."

And when asked if it felt like the rule was introduced because of him and Howe, Tindall laughed "It probably was!"

He continued: "But I always say I've never got any problems if any coaching staff want to go and stand up alongside their manager to help their team or to talk or whatever it is. I've never got any problems with that for me and to us.

"I think you have to sort of do it in a respectful way and you have to be abide by the rules. I think we've done that well this year. Sometimes I might get a little bit carried, from time to time, but I always get dragged back into my place by the fourth official and that's fine. The rule is the rule and you have to abide by it. I think it's been fine this year."

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp previously poked fun at Newcastle when the rule was first introduced. Speaking in August, the German said: “It’s like that in the Champions League anyway. I think it’s only a problem for one team... Newcastle...” Tindall's presence on the touchline seems to get under the skin of opposition managers but he insists it isn't intentional.

“It’s not deliberate. I’m just me," said Tindall. "I won't stop being me all of a sudden because of what people say about me and what they tell me to do.  If anyone thinks that’s going to stop me behaving like me or stop me being my real self, that’s not going to happen.

"Listen, I don’t mean to get under the skin of opposing managers or deliberately upset anyone, all I’m interested in doing is helping Newcastle United win football matches.

"Once kick off is there that’s my only motivation and goal is to do everything in my power to help the team. If that upsets a few people along the way, then so be it."