PREM chiefs have released a statement defending the decision to let Man City’s controversial opener against Aston Villa stand on Wednesday night.
Villa were fuming after Bernardo Silva’s rocket at the Etihad because Rodri was in an offside position during the build-up.
The midfielder was jogging back from an offside position when he robbed the ball from defender Tyrone Mings.
Rodri then fed Silva, who smashed in City’s first goal in a 2-0 Premier League win.
Villa protested furiously but the goal was allowed to stands, and Prem chiefs were forced to release a statement clarifying the decision.
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A PGMOL statement read: “In the 79th minute of Manchester City vs. Aston Villa, Bernardo Silva scored for Manchester City. In the build-up to the goal, Rodri was initially standing in an offside position as the ball was played upfield.
“Tyrone Mings deliberately played the ball, controlling it on his chest. As soon as Mings deliberately played the ball the following Law applies:
“‘A player in an offside position receiving the ball from an opponent who deliberately plays the ball, including by deliberate handball, is not considered to have gained an advantage, unless it was a deliberate save by any opponent.’
“As the Law deems that Rodri has not gained an advantage, he has not committed an offside offence and play should be allowed to continue. Rodri legitimately took possession of the ball from Mings, starting the attack which resulted in the goal.”
The statement did nothing to calm the raging Villans with Mings labelling the decision ‘nonsense’.
He tweeted: “Never even heard of that rule, just let players stand offside, then run back and tackle you? In hindsight I should’ve cleared it, 100 per cent, but didn’t even know that was the case. Nonsense.”
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith said: “It was a farcical decision. I’ve not seen a goal like that given. It needs to be looked at. I don’t think anyone in this stadium thought it was a goal.
“I thought they would go over to the VAR screen. I saw the incident and saw it was kicking off, so I asked the fourth officials did they get juggling balls for Christmas.
“I still don’t understand the rule. I don’t think anyone can tell me why it’s been given. He (Rodri) took advantage of an offside position. What is Tyrone meant to do?
“Can you stand 10 yards offside now?”
Ex-Man Utd defender Rio Ferdinand was also left puzzled.
He told BT Sport: “I think it was a terrible decision. I think he’s offside. He’s affecting the game.
“I’m a centre half, you’ve got to clear this. He knows Rodri is there, he knows there’s a player coming back from an offside position. Take all the uncertainty out of this by just clearing your lines.
“A football player should understand and have the awareness to know that there’s a player coming back from offside. I’d either bring it down and play it to a team-mate or I’ll get rid of it and reassess the situation. Any uncertainty, get rid.
“You would have been taught that as a kid. I still think, first and foremost, it’s a terrible decision.”
