Man United news: Ex-Premier League referee lifts lid on Marcus Rashford controversy amid new ‘manipulation’ claim
Keith Hackett has accused the IFAB (The International Football Association Board) of “manipulating” offside laws at the expense of clarity after Man United star Marcus Rashford benefitted from a dubious call in their win over Man City on Saturday (14 January).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee urged lawmakers to take “decisive action” when they hold their annual meeting on Wednesday (18 January).
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 Rashford.
Rashford looked to influence the Man City defenders before leaving the ball to Fernandes, who curled past Ederson.
The England international 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.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I know the linesman.
“It’s Darren Cann, he officiated at the World Cup final in 2010 alongside Howard Webb. I agreed with him, it was offside.
“The players know, they stopped playing.
“Rashford’s position is so far offside, he’s impacted the defenders. He’s shielded it – even if you’re not touching it, you’re still playing it.
“The goalkeeper has clearly set himself for a Rashford shot.
“I don’t know why the referee didn’t take the easy decision and go with the linesman.
“There’s confusion about what actually is interfering with play, and there’s confusion about having an active role in the play.
“The law is really poorly written. Just like the handball law, they’ve tried to manipulate it with add-ons.
“But it’s at the expense of clarity.
“The IFAB meet this week. Offside is on the agenda, so I hope they can take some decisive action.
“The laws are made up for the good of the game, and everyone I’ve spoken to has said it’s confusing – and I’m nodding in agreement.”
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