He has already missed my question..... I asked if he thought the United players stood there to intentionally interfere with the keeper's line of sight. This is clearly why they stood there and United (fair play to them) have found a loop hole in this law. I don't think in this case the officials should be bashed, but the loop hole needs closing with a referee association statement saying, "Nedt time, that's offside" Standing on the end of the wall is one thing, but that was taking the piss
Yeah I agree with every word, not blaming the ref but there needs to be some clarity. I also remember the United corner routine, thought it was brilliant myself!
All 3 players running out are in the keeper's line of sight, so should be a definite offside. If it happens next week with a different ref, I expect he'll disallow it.
I saw an interview, with LVG (with sub titles), along the lines that Midgetland had done it to them, so they spoke to the ref about it, and he said it wasn't offside. I have just found an English interview and it was the ref in the Europa game, that said it was okay, not the one Monday, so I got a little confused. Having said that, the referee's position was "unusual", being behind the free kick taker, whereas you would expect him to be further across the pitch, away from his linesman, to observe pushing and shoving in the box, so it is quite possible that the players did tell him their intent. The ref also looks across to the linesman, to see if he is flagging, so questions definitely need to be raised. BUT the principle remains the same. IMO, any ref that thinks that it is ok for players to form a wall, obstructing the goal keepers view (depending on ball trajectory) and/or being in the goal keepers line of sight, whilst in an offside position, should be permanently rested. As I have said, many weeks ago, referees seem to know the laws, but don't understand the game, which is why they interpret the rules in such a random manner.
FYI - when I said "It's wrong" I was referring to the act of speaking to the ref, not whether that you were wrong in saying it
Delighted for Watford. Arsenal look as though they've got nothing. And Welbeck scores for Arsenal 1-2 Don't you dare succeed in drawing this game FT, Arsenal
Well done Watford. 2-1 winners. Arsenal with nothing again. They'll be out of the CL come Wednesday too. 4th place aspirations again.
Media debating again whether this is the end for Arsene Wenger. Wouldn't surprise whether they'll be debating the same topic again this time next season. But... he might leave at the end of this season. Personally I don't give a hoot, but it doesn't take much effort to wish him to stay because while he's there they'll always be a nearly team.
Anyone else pondering that our Europa chances are fast diminishing as the probability that the FA Cup winners will not be a team in the top 4? The way City are going they'll be using their League Cup winners place.
Refs are playing the opposite game this year! And if anyone says it evens itself out & i'm going to scream!
That was just weird. Three break for MU and yet nobody else could be arsed to run and support them so the attack falls away. Strange.
Oh look a dive from Payet; that is why pens like the one on Tadic are not given - players get reputations.