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2026/27 J1 League Matchweek 7 Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Cerezo Osaka

[Onside] The assistant referee judging a razor-thin line on a goal from a cross

Written by Karakasa, Class 2 Football Referee Published

An original analysis of real match footage.

Final Decision

Onside

Excellent decision Close call

In a Sanfrecce Hiroshima attack, a cross came in from the flank and a Hiroshima player met it to score. The assistant referee did not raise the flag, and the goal was allowed.

Referee Review

Why was this decision made?

See the key points from a referee’s perspective

Show explanation

How the footage and Laws apply

Look at the assistant referee's judgement and how they kept in line. As the replay shows, it was a razor-thin decision. The replay also clearly shows the assistant referee positioned in line with the second-last opponent. Moving continuously with the line requires very quick reactions and is not easy. Keeping in line like this even in a fast-moving situation is truly excellent. It is likely that keeping in line is what allowed the assistant referee to judge such a razor-thin incident correctly. This is a valuable example for assistant referees.

Relevant Laws

Law 11 - Offside / Law 6 - The Other Match Officials (Assistant referees)

Official references

Check the wording of the Laws

The links above lead to official IFAB and JFA resources. The application of the Laws to this incident is the author’s analysis and is not an official view of IFAB, JFA or the competition organiser.

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