The Premier League have decided to implement certain changes regarding the offside rule after Bernardo Silva’s controversial goal against Aston Villa.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri managed to gain an unfair advantage when he challenged Tyrone Mings after coming back from an offside position.
His actions were deemed legitimate because of the existing rules but the new rules state that a player coming back from the offside position immediately cannot impact the game.
The PGMOL have consulted with IFAB and the lawmakers of football before implementing the changes and they have written to all 92 professional clubs regarding the rule change.
It will be interesting to see how this change affects the offside calls from here on in.
The letter states: “Where a player in an offside position immediately impacts on an opponent who has deliberately played the ball, the match officials shall prioritise challenging an opponent for the ball, and thus the offence of ‘interfering with an opponent by impacting on the opponent’s ability to play the ball’ shall be penalised.”
Aston Villa will feel hard done by despite the rule change. They might have been able to get something of the game if not for the controversial goal.
That said, they enjoyed a controversial decision against Newcastle United earlier on in the season when Fabian Schar’s misplaced clearance was converted by Ollie Watkins, although the Aston Villa forward was offside.
There have been several controversial refereeing incidents in the Premier League this season, especially involving VAR and offside. It remains to be seen whether another change adds to the confusion or improves the quality of officiating in the league.
