Vanishing spray set for UK debut in Community Shield

Was it the emergence of James Rodriguez onto the world stage? Or maybe the old adage of an ‘efficient’ German side showing the others how it is done coming true? No, for many, the revelation of the World Cup in Brazil was vanishing spray – and now it is coming to the UK.

The FA has now confirmed that the Heine Allemagne-invented substance will be used in the Community Shield on Sunday as well as during the forthcoming Premier League season.

Ladbrokes have been quick to react to the news by offering the price of 2/1 that referee, Michael Oliver will get spraying four or more times at Wembley.

At the World Cup it was clear to see that the spray was being used as often as possible, to avoid encroachment on free-kicks.

And with this year’s match set to feature two pacy, attacking sides with the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Sergio Aguero, Theo Walcott and David Silva in their ranks, there will be ample opportunity for the man in black to reach for his canister, with a large number of dangerous free-kicks inevitable.

In fact, in the two meetings between the sides last season, there were a total of 21 free-kicks picked up in the opposition half. If just 25 per cent of those fouls were ‘rewarded’ with the spray treatment, the ‘four or more’ line would have been met.

Add in that during the 28 Premier League matches he oversaw last season, Oliver awarded 628 free-kicks, at an average of over 22 fouls per game, and it looks highly likely that punters could start the season in superb fashion.

Let’s just hope the officials have had a bit more training with their can than certain television presenters!

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing

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