A “grey area” surrounding the new offside rule cost Bournemouth their first Premier League points on Monday, according to the promoted side’s manager Eddie Howe.
The new offside rule is a grey area. Under the new rules that is clearly offside. Our goalkeeper was affected by the player in front of him
Eddie Howe
Christian Benteke’s controversial 26th minute goal condemned the south coast newcomers to a 1-0 defeat but they were entitled to feel hard done by.
Benteke’s solitary strike was allowed to stand despite the involvement of Philippe Coutinho – who attempted to connect with the ball from a clearly offside position.
Bournemouth goalie Artur Boruc was drawn to Coutinho in the middle of the area and he raised his arms in preparation for a save before the ball travelled past the Brazilian to the far post where Benteke, who arrived unmarked from an onside position, bundled the ball into the net.
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe felt two key decisions went against his side. Photo: EPA
“The new offside rule is a grey area,” Howe said. “Under the new rules that is clearly offside. Our goalkeeper was affected by the player in front of him.
Advertisement
“I didn’t say a lot to the officials. They have a hard job but I will speak to then privately. I want feedback on the decisions.”
Before this season the Premier League tweaked rules surrounding offside interference which should have prevented the goal from standing.
