Ex-Premier League referee issues Alfredo Morelos injustice claim as controversial Rangers footage analysed
It was the right decision not to disallow Rangers’ second goal in their 2-0 win over Kilmarnock for offside on Saturday (6 August), according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee admitted Alfredo Morelos may have been offside but it would take too long to determine that and he should receive the benefit of the doubt.
As shown on the BBC’s Sportscene programme, Morelos tapped in from close range after a Rabbi Matondo cross was diverted into his path by a Scott Arfield touch.
The 26-year-old looked to be in an offside position when the ball was originally played by Matondo but the assistant referee kept their flag down.
“I think this is a really interesting one,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Because one can argue that he is an offside position, he’s come back and then got the ball, it’s a very difficult one for the match officials.
“There is a point where he is in an offside position and he comes from there. You don’t say he’s gained an advantage that’s no longer the wording.
“He’s effectively become active. It’s a really tight call. Perhaps people think we are being pedantic.
“It’s almost impossible for the match officials.
“This is one that would be checked by VAR. In active play, for the referee and assistant referee, it’s such a tight call and I don’t want goals ruled out on that basis.
“This is why we are going to have a semi-automated offside.
“The difficulty is when do you judge that the player becomes active in that situation?
“On first view, as a referee or assistant referee, I’m giving a goal. When I look it for the fifth or sixth occasion, I’m beginning to formulate why an offside decision should be given. That’s not football to me, I’m allowing the goal.”
In other news, Allan McGregor is “hurting” at Rangers as Giovanni van Bronckhorst reveals a “difficult” decision.