Ex-Premier League referee: Celtic ‘manipulating’ the law as controversial Kyogo Furuhashi footage emerges
Keith Hackett has praised Celtic for “manipulating” the offside law when they scored their opening goal in the 9-0 demolition of Dundee United on Sunday (28 August).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee compared the move to the tactics employed by Arsene Wenger with Thierry Henry at Arsenal.
As shown on the SPFL’s YouTube channel, Kyogo Furhashi was in an offside position when Jota was initially played in behind the Dundee United defence.
He then made sure he was behind his teammate when the cross came in and he finished perfectly to open the scoring.
“He’s alright,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“In law, he’s perfectly alright. What he’s done is, put himself onside by the very nature of getting behind the ball.
“The game should be praiseworthy of that player because he’s demonstrated a knowledge of the laws and benefitted by it.
“This was a tactic that was employed by Arsene Wenger often. He’d have Thierry Henry running at speed then getting recovery on the walk back. The ball would be played on the opposite side.
“This is how a club coach has manipulated the law accurately to allow this goal to be scored.
“It’s in the laws of the game, that is the correct application of the offside law. Well done to the assistant referee and match official for letting the goal stand.”
Kyogo went on to score a hat-trick at Tannadice to take his tally to six goals in the league this season.
Celtic have enjoyed a perfect start to the season and are currently top of the Scottish Premiership.
In other news, Celtic could sign the next Scott Brown amid £13million news.