We have entered uncharted territory when it comes to a team using too many substitute windows.
There are many examples of teams introducing too many substitutes, or bringing on players not on the teamsheet, in cup games – which usually sees the tie get replayed.
Five years ago, Exeter were ordered to re-stage their 3-0 FA Cup first-round replay win against Bradford City after they made six substitutions.
But leagues games tend to be judged differently, and the Crystal Palace offence is very specific.
It is not that the Eagles used too many subs, but that they have used too many windows.
There appears to be no record of this happening in English football since five substitutes were brought in during Covid, so the WSL will be setting the precedent for any punishment.
We have seen rule breaches only result in financial penalties before, such as Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday being fined for naming more than the permitted five loan players in a matchday squad.
Two years ago, Grimsby Town escaped with a fine after one of the players who played in their EFL Cup penalty shootout win over Manchester United was registered after the deadline for the match.
Part of the responsibility falls on the match officials, too. They should have been fully aware that Palace had used their three substitution slots and not allowed the change to take place.
But as the Exeter example shows, full responsibility would never be put on the match officials alone.
A fine seems most likely, but the WSL may take into account the Palace were leading 1-0 in stoppage time and made an additional tactical change.
