UEFA backs Swedish referee over Van Nistelrooy's goal

UEFA has given its backing to Swedish officials who allowed Ruud Van Nistelrooy's opener in Holland's thrashing 3-0 victory over Italy on Monday.

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الثلاثاء، 10 يونيو 2008 - 20:11
UEFA has given its backing to Swedish officials who allowed Ruud Van Nistelrooy's opener in Holland's thrashing 3-0 victory over Italy on Monday.

"I think there's a lack of understanding among the general football public, and I think it's understandable because this was an unusual situation," General Secretary David Taylor said.

"The player was not offside, because, in addition to the Italian goalkeeper, there was another Italian player in front of the goalscorer. Even though that other Italian player at the time had actually fallen off the pitch, his position was still relevant for the purposes of the offside law."

Van Nistelrooy broke the deadlock when Christian Panucci was deemed in play despite being off the field after colliding with Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.