Would VAR have ruled out Carey's winner against WBA?

MuttleyCAFC said:

You can never be sure but I think what beat the keeper was the deflection. 

Chizz said:

Callumcafc said:

Or, to answer Chizz’s question as Chizz would

Good question — this is an area of the Laws of the Game that often causes confusion, especially in cases of potential offside or interference with the goalkeeper’s ability to make a save.

Here’s a breakdown of the relevant law and how it’s applied in practice:

⚖️ Relevant Law

Law 11 – Offside (IFAB Laws of the Game)

The key clause states that a player in an offside position is penalized only if, at the moment the ball is played or touched by a teammate, they are involved in active play by:

• Interfering with play,
• Interfering with an opponent, or
• Gaining an advantage from their position.

The “interfering with an opponent” section includes “clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision” — this is the part that directly applies to blocking a goalkeeper’s view.

🧤 What Counts as Obstruction of the Goalkeeper

A player is considered to be interfering with an opponent (the goalkeeper) if they:

1. Are in an offside position (i.e., nearer to the goal line than both the ball and the second-last defender when the ball is played); and
2. Block or significantly distract the goalkeeper’s view or movement toward the ball.

If both conditions are met, even if the offside player doesn’t touch the ball, the goal is disallowed for offside.

For example:

• If a player is standing directly in front of the goalkeeper when a shot comes in and the keeper cannot see it until too late → offside, goal disallowed.
• If a player in an offside position is near the goalkeeper but does not block their view or movement → no infringement, goal stands.

🚫 Not to Be Confused With:

• Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct (Obstruction/Impeding the Progress of an Opponent):
  This law covers physical obstruction or impeding movement without contact, e.g., a player deliberately standing in front of the keeper to prevent them from jumping or moving. That’s an indirect free kick, not offside.
  But this rarely applies inside the penalty area unless the interference is clear and deliberate — most cases involving a blocked view are handled under Law 11 (offside).

🧠 Practical Application

Referees and VAR look for:

• Line of sight: Could the goalkeeper clearly see the ball?
• Positioning: Is the player in an offside position when the shot was taken?
• Movement: Did the offside player attempt to play the ball or make a movement that distracted the keeper?

If the answer to those is yes → the player is offside by interference.

If not → goal stands.

Would you like me to include a few real-world examples (e.g., Premier League or Champions League decisions) where this specific rule was applied for context?

How very dare you! There's no way I would have spelled it "penalized"! 

eastterrace6168 said:

...plus a couple of Addicks as well...😉

Zulu said:

Kinsella87 said:

This exact question is why I wouldn't be as happy getting promoted to the prem as I should be!

So, you dont really want to get to the Prem coz of VAR?...sigh.

GreenWithEnvy said:

Todds_right_hook said:

No obvious error from the ref or Lino, would VAR even have checked this

The lino last night would have been no use here anyway, he was absolutely tosh last night letting WBA away with 2 clear offsides which luckily they could not capitalise on.

eastterrace6168 said:

...plus a couple of Addicks as well...😉

eastterrace6168 said:

...plus a couple of Addicks as well...😉