Leeds United have opened an enquiry with the Premier League and referees’ governing body PGMOL about the offside rule. The decision comes after striker Patrick Bamford was denied what seemed a legitimate goal as Leeds lost at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Leeds United Looking to Seek Clarification on Offside Rule
Leeds United Involve the Governing Bodies
'The worst decision in the history of football.'
Reaction to THAT disallowed Patrick Bamford goal: https://t.co/cFtDjd8Zq6 pic.twitter.com/UIZYUn8tXd
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 7, 2020
Marcelo Bielsa’s side were 1-0 down at Selhurst Park when Bamford scored what appeared to be a legitimate equaliser. However, the former Chelsea man was adjudged offside after pointed to where he wanted the ball played.
The decision went to a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review and, by the time the lines had been drawn, it was clear that Bamford’s arm was past the last defender. However, this is where Leeds want clarification on the offside rule as Bamford would be unable to score with the part of his body that was offside – his hand.
As a result, Leeds United will be looking to seek an answer on the rule. It’s highly unlikely that the game would be replayed, or that the Whites would get any compensation package from the incident, but it could have a major impact on the remaining games across the football calender, and prevent a similar occurrence from happening.
Referee Indisight
Speaking on Sky Sports News’ Ref Watch, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher gave his thoughts on the call.
He said: “I can’t say it’s wrong, I can’t say it’s right, others will judge. I don’t know where Sakho is, that is what was available and that is what he made the decision on.
“I am not a technician in the VAR room. I have been quite open and transparent, I’ve said I think it’s a really, really tough call – there’s no doubt about that.”
Previous Incidents
It isn’t the first time this has happened this season in the Premier League. Another major incident came at Goodison Park last month in the Merseyside Derby when Jordan Henderson was denied a later winner after Sadio Mane was adjudged to be offside in the build-up.
Similarly to Bamford, Mane’s right elbow appeared to be just past the Everton defenders’ right hand, meaning the striker was offside.
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