The decision to allow Bruno Fernandes ’ goal for Manchester United against Manchester City on the weekend makes “an absolute mockery of the game”, according to Ally McCoist.
Fernandes equalised for United, who then went on to beat their rivals 2-1 at Old Trafford thanks to Marcus Rashford ’s winner. But Fernandes’ goal was not without controversy, with the linesman’s flag originally going up to rule it out due to Rashford being offside when Casemiro played his through ball.
However, it was eventually allowed to stand because Rashford did not actually touch the ball and was therefore not deemed to be interfering with play. The decision infuriated City’s players, with a group of them confronting referee Stuart Attwell in the tunnel to complain.
There have been many further complaints since, with Richard Keys among those angry with the call. Former Scotland striker McCoist has now lent his voice to the wave of criticism in a passionate rant on talkSPORT.
“It’s a ridiculous decision. The goal should not stand,” he said. “To say that he’s not interfering with play is a ridiculous statement. He’s made the run through, he’s standing right next to the goalscorer. If that’s not affecting the defenders and the goalkeeper then I don’t know what is.
“It’s as bad as the Mo Salah one, whenever that was. It’s as bad as that. They’re making an absolute mockery of the game. They really are – it’s shocking.”
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McCoist was referring to Salah’s goal in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Wolves in the FA Cup on January 7. The Egyptian was offside when the ball was played, but Wolves defender Toti Gomes’ touch meant a new phase of play began, allowing him to score.
talkSPORT presenter Laura Woods agreed with McCoist and added: “He (Rashford) also goes to sort of strike it, doesn’t he? The point is, if you’re a defender or a goalkeeper, your eyes are on him and you think he might be attempting to play the ball, so you’re distracted by him – and that is interfering with play.” McCoist agreed, adding: “Correct.”
Speaking on BT Sport at the time of the incident, former Premier League referee Peter Walton explained Attwell’s decision-making process. "Well, let's just say I thought this was a goal,” he said.
“Rashford has made a move for the ball [but] hasn't interfered with an opponent in play with the ball [and] hasn't played the ball himself.
"[It's] quite right the flag goes up because of the offside position, but when VAR look at this – and when the assistant discusses it with Stuart Attwell – I think the goal will stand."
