Referee Review
Why was this decision made?
See the key points from a referee’s perspective
Show explanation
Referee Review
Why was this decision made?
See the key points from a referee’s perspective
Show explanationHow the footage and Laws apply
Look at the assistant referee's judgement in a crowded goalmouth. Omiya players protested that it was not offside, but watching the footage again, it can be seen that at the moment of the first shot, the player who finally turned the ball in was in an offside position. After the cross came in, several Oita players were also moving to block the shot, and players from both teams were mixed together in front of goal. In that situation the assistant referee had to pick up the moment the shot was taken while also judging the position of the player in an offside position, which made it a very difficult situation. Despite this, the assistant referee calmly gave the offside offence, which was an excellent decision.
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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[Offside] A goal ruled out after being judged within a continuous passage of play in which two shots were blocked | 2026/27 J2 League Matchweek 4 RB Omiya Ardija vs Shonan Bellmare
[Onside / Assistant Referee] The assistant referee judging players moving in opposite directions after a short corner | 2026/27 J2 League Matchweek 5 Shonan Bellmare vs Vegalta Sendai