Christian Benteke's goal for Liverpool should have been disallowed, Premier League confirms
Liverpool striker Christian Benteke’s match-winner against Bournemouth on Monday night should have been ruled out for offside, the Premier League has confirmed.
The only goal in the game came in controversial circumstances, as the Belgian striker tucked in from close range after Philippe Coutinho had attempted to connect with a cross. The Liverpool No10 had made an attempt to connect with Jordan Henderson’s cross but missed the ball.
However having clearly tried to play the ball he should have been called as offside according to the newly updated offside law, and Craig Pawson ought to have disallowed Benteke’s strike.
The International Football Association Board issued guidance to referees in the summer which confirmed a player is in an offside position if he:
“1. clearly attempts to play a ball which is close to him when this action impacts on an opponent
OR
2. makes an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball”
The Premier League does not normally comment on individual decisions however in light of the debate over the decision, one of the new interpretations first tests, it “felt it was appropriate” to inform fans and clubs on the laws new interpretation.
Fans and pundits alike were hugely critical of the decision to award the goal, with Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel tweeting: “From a goalkeepers point of view; moving either towards or away from the ball. Any player within the width of the goal is affecting play.”
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