In a recent Merseyside derby, a key moment occurred when Everton's James Tarkowski inadvertently played the ball allowing Liverpool's Luis Diaz to be deemed onside, leading to Diogo Jota's winning goal. Former goalkeeper Joe Hart defended the decision, explaining that Diaz did not interfere with Tarkowski's play. This incident sheds light on the ongoing debates surrounding football's offside rules, particularly following a rule tightening after City’s controversial goal against Villa. The Professional Game Match Officials clarified that offside players who impact opponents should be penalized, yet in this case, Diaz was not judged to have done so.
Had James Tarkowski not intercepted the ball, Luis Diaz would have been called offside. But because the Everton defender did, his defensive instincts kicking in, Diaz was onside.
When that ball is played, Luis Diaz is making no attempt to stop Tarkowski from getting that ball. He's making absolutely no attempt to make an action towards the ball.
There is a problem with the rules that David Moyes will have, but from a lawful point of view, it is a perfectly good goal for Liverpool.
Where a player in an offside position immediately impacts on an opponent who has deliberately played the ball, the match officials should prioritise challenging an opponent for the ball.
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