When McCrum’s proposal reached the guardians of football’s laws, it was met with skepticism.
Some argued the punishment it introduced was far too harsh.
But the sport was evolving: matches were getting quicker and more physical.
Incidents on the field were already making a compelling case for reform.
Earlier that year, an FA Cup tie between Notts County and Stoke City exposed a glaring loophole in the rules.
A defender handled the ball on the goal line to stop a certain goal and received little more than a free-kick against his side.
Notts County then massed on the goal line, creating a solid barrier. Stoke couldn’t find a way through and ultimately lost.
To many observers, the outcome felt unjust. The episode shifted opinion toward McCrum’s push for a much tougher sanction.