Mark Clattenburg's verdict on Leeds United goal controversy after AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola's anger
Ex-Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg's verdict on Leeds United goal controversy after anger from AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has defended the decision to allow Leeds United’s equaliser against AFC Bournemouth to stand.
Sean Longstaff rifled home a leveller seven minutes into stoppage time at the Vitality Stadium last night (April 22), rescuing a 2-2 draw for the Whites.
It was a goal that stirred up controversy and drew the ire of Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola. The Cherries head coach felt Joel Piroe was interfering with play as he stood in an offside position, obstructing the view of goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic when Longstaff pulled the trigger.
Andoni Iraola disputes decision
Iraola said: “The offside position is clear, it affects [Djordje] Petrovic (Bournemouth’s goalkeeper). I have spoken with the referee. They try to make it look like it’s a very difficult play. I don’t think it’s as difficult.
“It’s in the trajectory of Petrovic, it affects the view, it’s in the side where the ball goes. It makes it more difficult for Petrovic to save that ball, definitely. He would have saved it if the player is not there. As soon as he (Piroe) affects (Petrovic’s view), it’s clearly offside. I don’t think it’s as difficult as they say.”
Mark Clattenburg’s verdict on Leeds United goal controversy
Clattenburg, however, has claimed Petrovic would not have been able to keep Longstaff’s piledriver out whether Piroe was there or not.
He told Leeds United News: “Another interesting situation where offside is again not a factual decision but a subjective one, which will create some debate. Leeds United equalise in the dying minutes from Longstaff, but there was a Leeds player, Piroe, in the line of vision of the goalkeeper as well as some of the Bournemouth defenders.
“What the match officials have to determine is, does the line of vision of the attacker stop the goalkeeper’s ability to save the ball? I feel that Longstaff’s shot was too good.
“The goalkeeper would not have saved it even if the Leeds player was in the line of vision. Football wants goals and we do not want to disallow goals when the goalkeeper has no chance to save the ball.”
The draw took Leeds nine points clear of the relegation zone ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Sunday (April 26).