From watching the replay of it
by wcnitz (2017-09-14 09:05:41)

In reply to: Auba offsides: I've watched it over and over  posted by spade


The retreating offside player did not impact the defender closest to Aubameyang. He just got beat.

So it was definitely a poor call. That said, considering the volume of offside attackers here it is extremely difficult to track that correctly. The linesman is opposite side, Aubameyang is behind other players and I think he made this call believing that Auba was one of the players that started in an offside position. Just screams out the need for VAR and to let the attack 'finish' before blowing the whistle when the flag is up.


A judgment call on if that very offsides guy impacted play
by spade  (2017-09-15 19:53:34)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

You're right I don't think he impacted it either, but I think the official was judging that exact fact.
That call was not black and white, unlike a normal offsides line is, but in this case it's by an line judge evaluating from 30 yards away, and that judgment shouldn't be overturned by a VAR or else every penalty and foul and judgment call would need to be scrupulously analyzed. Similarly, just as a video review can show zero Pass Interference occured, a la Ohio State v Miami, it still can't be overturned by the booth because it's a judgment call.

My blame is instead of the last player. If the extremely offsides player hurries back quicker, then he obviously can't impact the play, the he doesn't place the judgment in the hands of the line judge. I still think it was the wrong call, but a judgment call like that shouldn't be overturned. (PS I'm a Spurs fan = P haha COYS)