Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard believes the officials disallowed Philippe Coutinho’s possible winner for offside in their home draw against Manchester City “too soon.”
Aston Villa thought they had won against the champions when substitute Coutinho hammered home from distance against the underside of the bar in the 79th minute, putting the home side up 2-1.
However, the assistant referee had already raised his flag for offside, with referee Simon Hooper blowing his whistle before the Brazilian’s strike went in – despite the fact that replays proved Coutinho was actually onside.
Coutinho scored a beautiful goal against Man City but it was flagged for offside š pic.twitter.com/SBJ7zjaT3g
ā ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 3, 2022
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What Did Gerrard Say About The Incident?
When Sky Sports questioned Gerrard about the incident, he responded: “I saw a legitimate goal but obviously I am biased.
“The referee did the same at the other end with [Ezri] Konsa on the ‘keeper, he was desperate on the whistle which went against us twice in the game.”
He added: “I’ve gone and spoke to the officials calmly after the game. I’ve given enough time and I’ve asked for their side of it.
“Listen, I always try and understand their side of it. But the referee has blown the whistle too soon.
“I know there’s a slight rule change in terms of not waiting too long for these whistles and flags. I understand that rule change.
“But I think when something is so tight it’s worth that little extra bit of time and we could have scored a second goal tonight, for sure.
“Obviously that moment and those decisions have gone against us but fair play to the officials. They’ve recognised that in the room afterwards.”
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