Loud jeers rang around Dallas stadium at the start of a cooling break during the first half of Wednesday's World Cup match between England and Croatia, as fans made clear their displeasure at the new rule.
The mandatory cooling breaks imposed by FIFA — lasting 3 minutes in each half — have sparked considerable controversy since being applied for the first time at the current World Cup, on the grounds of helping players cope with the summer heat and humidity of North America.
Some critics say the breaks disrupt the flow of the match, while others believe their introduction is simply a ploy to divide the game into four quarters and give broadcasters more opportunities to air advertisements.
Some England fans had announced on social media that they would voice their objection during Wednesday's match, and boos from supporters of both teams began the moment French referee Clément Turpin blew his whistle to signal the break in the 22nd minute.
Crowd jeers also greeted the start of the first cooling break on Tuesday during Norway's match against Iraq at Boston stadium, where temperatures were a mild 23 degrees Celsius (73.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
Iraq had been drawing 0–0 with Norway and putting in a solid performance when the break began, but conceded a goal four minutes after play resumed and ultimately lost 4–1.