formality

And then this formality is often followed by disappointment when the serious business starts at a major tournament.

Arne Slot's first season as head coach proceeded with Liverpool virtually unchallenged from Christmas onwards, sealing the formalities with four matches left and ending 10 points clear.

The 25-year-old will complete the formalities of his move, including a medical, in London on Monday before signing a long-term contract with the Premier League champions.

With the volume rising, referee Simon Hooper consulted the screen but the outcome was a formality.

“In contrast to the formalities of the Washington Football Team investigation, Defendants’ treatment of Gruden was a Soviet-style character assassination,” the lawsuit alleged.