This is the moment St Johnstone ball boys appeared to be told to slow down during the Scottish Premiership tie against Celtic.
A member of staff for the Perth club could be seen communicating with ball boys around the pitch during the second half of the fixture.
With St Johnstone holding a 1-0 lead it appeared the St Johnstone staffer advised ball attendants to try and slow the game down in retrieving the ball.
It looks like all the ballboys are being told to take their time getting the ball back in play... ⚽ pic.twitter.com/vA61YvAc7d
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 6, 2025
The moment was captured on camera as the staff member jogged around the pitch and was seen in discussion with ball boys.
Sky Sports commentator Ian Crocker said: "This fellow is telling all the ball boys not to get the ball back on the pitch too quickly.
"Sorry to grass you up, mate!"
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When and where Celtic can win title after loss to St Johnstone
SPFL rules changed earlier this season to prohibit ball boys from throwing a ball to players to restart the match.
Instead, the multi-ball system should be used with balls placed on cones along the touchline.
As explained by Queen's Park, guidance states: "During the season to date, Queen’s Park Ball Assistants have thrown a replacement ball to the nearest player to allow the game to resume as quickly as possible. Under the new guidelines all Ball Assistants must:
- NOT throw a replacement ball to any player
- NOT throw the original match ball kicked out of play back to any player
- Ensure that balls are retrieved and placed on any vacant cones as quickly as possible, irrespective of the score
- Not enter the field of play (e.g. to place the ball on the corner quadrant); and
- Act consistently for both Clubs at all times.
"The cones and the Ball Assistants must remain in the same positions for the entirety of the match and Ball Assistants’ attire must not clash with the players of either club or the Match Officials."
