Alex Freeman's USMNT Goal Sparks Controversy: Why It Wasn't Ruled Offside
The use of video assistant referees (VAR) has sparked controversy in top-tier competitions, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup. This FIFA World Cup, a closer examination of major incidents is underway to understand the VAR protocol and the Laws of the Game.
Former Select Group referee Andy Davies, with over 12 seasons of experience, offers insight into the processes and protocols used on matchdays. A recent incident involved a goal by Alex Freeman, which was initially disallowed due to an on-field offside decision. However, after a VAR review, the goal was awarded.
The play began with a shot by USMNT's Sergiño Dest, which was blocked and flew into the air. Freeman and Folarin Balogun then chased the ball, with Freeman scoring with a header. The linesman signaled for offside, prompting a VAR review. Replays showed Freeman was onside when Dest took the shot, and the referee allowed the goal to stand.
According to Davies, the VAR intervention was correct, and the initial offside decision was surprising. The Australia bench had also suggested that Balogun impeded the goalkeeper, but replays showed this was not the case. For an attacker to be considered to have impacted the goalkeeper, they must either block the line of vision or physically disrupt the goalkeeper's ability to do their job. In this instance, Balogun did neither, and the goal was rightfully awarded.
Former Select Group referee Andy Davies, with over 12 seasons of experience, offers insight into the processes and protocols used on matchdays. A recent incident involved a goal by Alex Freeman, which was initially disallowed due to an on-field offside decision. However, after a VAR review, the goal was awarded.
The play began with a shot by USMNT's Sergiño Dest, which was blocked and flew into the air. Freeman and Folarin Balogun then chased the ball, with Freeman scoring with a header. The linesman signaled for offside, prompting a VAR review. Replays showed Freeman was onside when Dest took the shot, and the referee allowed the goal to stand.
According to Davies, the VAR intervention was correct, and the initial offside decision was surprising. The Australia bench had also suggested that Balogun impeded the goalkeeper, but replays showed this was not the case. For an attacker to be considered to have impacted the goalkeeper, they must either block the line of vision or physically disrupt the goalkeeper's ability to do their job. In this instance, Balogun did neither, and the goal was rightfully awarded.
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