Mike Dean, a former Premier League referee, has explained why Marcus Rashford’s goal against Liverpool was approved by Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Rashford finished off Anthony Martial’s through ball to make it 2-0 for the Red Devils in the second half.
Jadon Sancho had opened scoring in the opening 45 minutes, as Erik ten Hag’s men dominated the match at Old Trafford.
According to Dean, “Two years ago, Rashford’s strike might have been disallowed – one of those ‘toenail’ offsides that was highlighted when VAR first arrived in England.
“But the Premier League and PGMOL made changes for the good of the game – in agreement with the clubs – and I want to talk you through that and the process we now go through.
“While most of Old Trafford was celebrating United taking a 2-0 lead, VAR Darren England and his team at Stockley Park were taking a closer look at the moment Rashford broke behind Liverpool’s back line.
“Then the lines are laid. First a one-pixel line to the second last defender, then another one-pixel line to the attacker, at the point closest to goal with which he can score.
“As VAR, I make sure it’s all accurate, then lock it in.
“Once they are locked in, the system will then flash up green for onside or red for offside. It’s not subjective. It’s factual.
“But last summer, changes were made so that if the lines are overlapping, it’s onside.
“It’s too close to call otherwise and so the advantage is given to the attacker, as it was with Rashford at Old Trafford on Monday evening.
“Jesus’s goal against Bournemouth was disallowed because there was no overlap of the lines.”
