The Sock Rule: Why the Referee Stopped a Rangers Player

An obscure rule almost prevented Rangers from making a substitution in their Champions League match against Panathinaikos. Nedim Bajrami was stopped twice by the referee before entering the field.

The reason was his socks. Bajrami had cut parts of his socks to reduce pressure on his calf muscles. However, he also cut the front part, which is prohibited by IFAB rules. According to the rule, shin guards must be fully covered by the socks.

Eventually, Bajrami entered the field in the 86th minute, replacing Joe Rothwell. Rangers coach Russell Martin did not comment on the incident.