Mick
Life President
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2003
- Messages
- 10,974
The ref had his hand up to indicate an indirect free kick so it was definitely given for off-side. Everyone was confused as to why it had been disallowed. It was clear even from the half way line that Turner was on side and it didn't hit anyone on the way in.
It was clear from the half way line, and beyond, that Turner was not in an offside position. It was far less clear that it didn't hit anyone on the way in, especially the one who sort of hopped out of the way. From the Assistant's sideways on view it would be impossible to tell whether it touched either of the two players. So he flags, so far so good. It is then for the two of them to confer. The Assistant will say , "two players in offside position, were they interfering with play?". Still so far, so good. At this point the referee should say "no" and give the goal, but for some inexplicable reason he gave offside. All the fault lies with the hapless referee, not the Assistant.
It was also unclear why he pointed to the centre circle before confirming the offside indirect free-kick.