--- In shrimper@yahoogroups.com, "micksufc" <mick.thomas@w...> wrote:
>
> I got the impression that Graham Barber was making it up as he went
> along admirably trying to deflect the blame from his hapless
> assistant who also flagged a player offside direct from a throw-in
> (perhaps they changed that one in secret too) at one stage.

I watched it live on Sky having only got one hour from home on the
way to Bury by the time the game was called off. Martin Tyler was
adamant that it was technically correct. Andy Gray was adamant it
was frankly ludicrous...

If there is a new interpretation, which there seems to be, there's
nothing to stop a player being miles downfield and only becoming
active in a later phase of play. Trying to hold a defensive line
becomes almost suicidal as it becomes entirely down to the linesman's
judgement (even more than at present) as to whether to flag for
offside. It reduce the art of defending to merely man to man or
zonal play and eliminate the benefit of the run from midfield.

And how much do we trust third division officials to be able to apply
it effectively?

> --- In shrimper@yahoogroups.com, "nosetackle69" <sufc@h...> wrote:
> > ...but were the referees amongst us aware that FIFA
> > had "reinterpreted" the offside rule last Ocrtober, and a player
> > should now only be deemed to be interfering with play if -
> >
> > - he plays or touches the ball whilst offside
> > - he interferes with an opposition player ( e.g. unsights the
> > keeper )
> >
> > and he only gains advantage from being offside if he plays or
> > touches a rebound from a post or opponent whilst being offside ?
>

At least Drewe will never be offside again! ;o)