Ex-Premier League referee hits back at Pep Guardiola after controversial Man City quotes emerge
Keith Hackett has rejected claims of bias from Man City boss Pep Guardiola after he suggested Bruno Fernandes’ goal was awarded because the game was played at Old Trafford.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted the “stupid” offside law caused the confusion around the goal.
As seen in footage from the Football on BT Sport Twitter account (14 January), Man United’s equaliser through Bruno Fernandes was awarded by referee Stuart Atwell despite linesman Darren Cann initially raising his flag for offside against Marcus Rashford.
Rashford looked to influence the Man City defenders before leaving the ball to Fernandes, who curled past Ederson.
As quoted by the Manchester Evening News (14 January), Guardiola appeared to imply the decision was influenced by the Old Trafford crowd – and cited an incident which went against his side at Anfield earlier this season.
Rashford went on to win the match in the 82nd minute to move Man United to within one point of Man City – who are in turn trailing leaders Arsenal by eight points.
When asked if the Theatre of Dreams may have affected the decision by referee Atwell, Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I don’t think so at all.
“That might be the slant that Pep Guardiola puts on it, but it’s not something I think went into the decision.
“The law just isn’t clear enough around these types of decisions. It’s a bit like speeding in your car.
“When you’re only a few miles per hour over the limit, some police officers won’t stop you – but others will.
“The law is stupid and it needs a rewrite.”
In other news, pundit cites Rodri as the door opens to blockbuster Man City swap deal.