England Exclusive: Ex-FIFA ref tells authorities to change law after Russo incident
Arsenal star Alessia Russo’s goal being ruled out in England Women’s defeat to France was “against the spirit of the game”, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that, while he is a fan of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT), this decision took away from the moment.
Sarina Wiegman’s side kicked off their Women’s Euro campaign with a 2-1 defeat on Saturday, 5 July, with the French racing into a two-goal lead through Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Chelsea‘s Sandy Baltimore in the first half.
It could have been very different for the Lionesses, however, as Russo saw the opening goal chalked off by VAR in the 16th minute, with Arsenal‘s Beth Mead adjudged to be offside in the build-up.
England Women fall to defeat against France
There was a lot of controversy surrounding the decision, and while Hackett believes in the SAOT in Europe, it did not show any benefit of the doubt towards the attacking team.
Chaos ensued on social media after the incident was reshared, especially with the semi-automated lines showing exactly how close the decision was, and England fans were far from pleased.
Keira Walsh managed to grab one goal back with three minutes of normal time remaining, but it was too little, too late for the defending champions, who sit third in Group D after one game.
Keith Hackett looks to Arsene Wenger on offside rules
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “I do like the semi-automated technology that’s in operation in Europe and with FIFA; it’s different to what we use in the Premier League.
“The added bonus with UEFA is that they’re using the Adidas ball, which has a chip inside, which is massive in terms of enhancing the accuracy of decisions. This type of decision is against the spirit of the game.
“The laws of the game talk about the spirit of the game, and this is against the spirit of the game. In 50 years of refereeing, I’ve always believed the benefit of the doubt should always go to the forward, rather than the defender. I don’t like the law acting as a defender.
“I implore the authorities to look to change the law. Arsene Wenger, who is the technical director of FIFA, someone whom I admire, has come up with a proposal for a gap between the attack and the defender. I do genuinely think this scheme and idea should be experimented with and introduced.
“This disallowed goal is against the spirit of the game. I’d have much preferred to see this call ruled in, not out.”