Nathan Dyer was the recipient of rapturous applause as he left the field in the final stages of Swansea City’s 2-1 win over Hull City.
The winger was replaced by Kyle Naughton with 92 minutes on the clock as Steve Cooper’s side saw out injury time to kick-start the 2019/20 season with victory over the Tigers .
But the Jack Army showed their displeasure at referee John Brooks who booked Dyer as he trudged off the Liberty Stadium turf.
However, under new rules, the official was well within his right to brandish the yellow card.
Earlier this year, a raft of new rules were introduced for the 2019/20 campaign, one of which means players being substituted have to leave the field of play at the nearest part of the perimeter possible rather than taking the traditional long route towards the bench.
And as Dyer was closer to the East Stand than the tunnel area when the fourth official raised his board to show the substitution, Brooks cautioned Dyer under the new laws.
The 31-year-old played his part as the Swans came from behind to beat Hull City in South Wales.
Grant McCann’s side took an early lead through Daniel Batty, but second-half goals from Borja Baston and Mike van der Hoorn saw the Swans start the new season with a win.
