Question Number: 32727

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/19/2018

RE: Rec Adult

Russell of Sydney, Australia asks...

The talk around the water cooler this morning was on the first goal for PSG in their match away to Liverpool in the UCL.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE73zkVOQX0

Cavani of PSG was clearly in an offside position when the ball was played in. We see him make a play for the ball and seemingly miss, only for the ball to fortuitously rebound off a defender to Meunier who hit an exquisite first time shot inside the near post.

Should Cavan be ruled offside as Liverpool's Van Dijk is seen to have to react to Cavan's position and defend him as Cavani makes a play for the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Russell,
it is a valid thought I would say in the past a flag would have arisen under today guidelines they do not like to takeaway a good goal. At first I was ok with no offside but I have reviewed several times I think the defender might have intercepted the ball but was put off by the flailing feet. I think the AR missed the positional aspect as it does appear you could see the involvement had impact. A VAR review might well overrule this goal.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Russell
I believe had VAR been used this goal would have been ruled out for offside.
Cavani without doubt was in an offside position and he definitely interferes with an opponent in his attempt to pay the ball.
Without technology it was a tight call and the way play unfolded it looked tight. The fact that Cavani did not seem to have touched the ball might have been a factor.