Manchester City keeper Ederson has joined John Stones as a victim of the offside rule. The pair have now both sustained injuries as a result of the delayed flag from the linesman.
While VAR has become a part of the game at times it does appear absurd that such obvious offside calls aren’t flagged immediately. If it was a tight offside call the need for an offside check would appear valid. But during Sunday’s game, there was no doubt about the Newcastle player being offside. As evidenced by the video shared on the SkySports Premier League official X account the decision has become a talking point following Ederson’s injury.
“Should be able to get that quicker”
Ref Watch analyse the delayed offside decision between Newcastle and Man City 👀 pic.twitter.com/feRqf8g8fm
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 15, 2024
In an interview published by Manchester Evening News City’s midfield general Rodri expressed frustration with the situation. He said: “We have an injury because of this situation we are trying to fix in the last years. I think it is ridiculous. The fact that the ball goes in behind a 30-metre run and it could be worse, fortunately, it was just a kick, but there are lots of injuries in this situation. So we have to check if it’s the best option to follow the game.”
Fortunately for Manchester City, the injury suffered by Ederson doesn’t appear serious. Pep Guardiola told the media post-game that the keeper should be available when the champions return to action against Tottenham in the fourth round of the FA Cup. The treble winners are currently on their winter break which will aid in Ederson’s recovery from the injury he suffered against Newcastle.
