Video: Santi Cazorla gets a taste of the vanishing spray

Santi Cazorla, referee Jon Moss and the vanishing spray

The Vanishing spray which was so popular during the FIFA World Cup in the summer in Brazil has now been introduced in the English Premier League. Whilst it posed now problems whatsoever during the gals event in Brazil, the English referees could probably take a while to get used to the tin can-filled with foam.

During the 41st minute of an opening day fixture between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium the home side won a free-kick thus springing referee Jon Moss into brining the spray into action. Unfortunately, he had trouble using it and Santi Cazorla became the proverbial Guinea Pig in the referee’s effort make it work.

According to LiveScience the foam is “a mixture of butane, isobutane and propane gas; a foaming agent; water; and other chemicals. When it leaves the can, the gas depressurizes and expands, creating small, water-covered droplets on the field. The butane mixture later evaporates, leaving only water and surfactant residue behind.”

It lasts for only 60 seconds is used to ensure defensive walls maintain a 10-yard-distance (9.15 metres) from the spot of a free-kick.

Mr. Moss wasn’t the only referee affected as Mike Jones, officiating in the Leicester City vs Everton match at the King Power stadium also struggled.

Mike Jones with the foam on his shirt

We can confirm that neither the player nor the referee vanished though. Arsenal won the match 2-1 after coming from behind through goals by Koscielny and Ramsey.