I can't help but feel that PGMOL used the Norwich game in their reviews and decided they wanted this (deliberate man marking of keepers) called offside if it comes anywhere close it. And sure enough, they had to exercise it twice in this game.I think the first one is definitely a valid offside call. The second however, I think is very harsh - he's much further away from being in line with the GK's vision and has perhaps only been picked up for this because he was bang-to-rights on the first one. Much easier to spot something when you're looking specifically for it.
True, but I think this might be a case where it's more of a 'spirit of the law rather than the letter of the law' interpretation. As suggested by @one it could well be that referees are seeing the tactic of deliberately standing in an offside position to impede the goalkeepers movement and/or line of sight for a period of time (up to and including the last touch by a team mate) leading up to the goal as being fundamentally contrary to the intent of the offside law, even if it doesn't quite fall fully within the current wording.The first one is supportable, but the second one is baffling, he isn't even close to being in the line of sight.
Your photograph has the attacker cut off.Thought that would come up....
so here is one I prepared earlier!
offside player blocking gk view, impeding him, preventing him making a save, getting involved in active play, anything?
the offside position of the striker has no impact at all.
Your photograph has the attacker cut off.
View attachment 5190
This is the moment the ball is player. Watkins is interfering with opponent in my opinion here.
I think there is an argument for de gea not getting involved with him and the attacker is smart to try and do it before the crucial moment that is his team mate playing the ball but for me he is still active and interfering at that point.
So it doesn't really fit in thos thread as blocking gk view that isn't the case but it does fit, for me on impacting opponent ability to play the ball.
I was waiting for a thread on this.Your photograph has the attacker cut off.
View attachment 5190
This is the moment the ball is player. Watkins is interfering with opponent in my opinion here.
I think there is an argument for de gea not getting involved with him and the attacker is smart to try and do it before the crucial moment that is his team mate playing the ball but for me he is still active and interfering at that point.
So it doesn't really fit in thos thread as blocking gk view that isn't the case but it does fit, for me on impacting opponent ability to play the ball.
I was going to say the same thing.So it doesn't really fit in thos thread as blocking gk view that isn't the case but it does fit, for me on impacting opponent ability to play the ball.
making an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball