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'Farcical': Football fans bewildered after offside rule confusion

Man City player Rodri (pictured left) offside but running back to make a tackle.
Man City player Rodri (pictured left) was able to intervene in play despite clearly being offside, which prompted a bizarre ruling. (Image: BT Sport)

The football world is bemused after Manchester City scored a bizarre goal to help them overcome Villa at the Etihad.

City broke the deadlock with a Bernardo Silva goal, but the lead-up was described as ‘farcical’ as the laws of the game came into question.

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The opening goal was controversial because Rodri was returning from an offside position when he dispossessed Villa defender Tyrone Mings before releasing Silva.

No offside was given, though, with the officials explaining post match that a new phase of play had started when Mings controlled the ball on his chest before being picked off by Rodri.

However, many Villa fans feel aggrieved since Rodri was unsighted for Mings, returning from an offside position and heading towards the ball, which he played.

The decision prompted many on social media to claim Rodri didn’t receive the ball but tackled Mings after a pass towards him from an offside position.

Villa coach fumes over goal

Following the goal, Ilkay Guendogan's penalty sealed a victory that extended the winning run of the Premier League's form team to six matches.

But Villa manager Dean Smith, who was sent off for protesting against the awarding of the goal, was having none of it.

"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," he said.

"Are we just going to leave players behind the line then? It's farcical. He was 10 yards offside and come back and tackled our player, it's a pathetic law and a pathetic decision."

City manager Pep Guardiola did not have a strong opinion on his side's controversial opener.

"I didn't watch the image on TV. I know they complained on the touchline but VAR is there," he said.

"I don't know exactly the rule but if it was offside I am pretty sure the goal would have been disallowed."

with AAP

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