28 December 2023 , 10:49
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Pep Guardiola has been left fuming at the Premier League's offside protocols after John Stones picked up an injury in the win over Everton.
The Manchester City defender was back at Goodison Park on Wednesday night as he helped the newly crowned world champions win 3-1 and close the gap at the top. Stones though saw his night ended prematurely as he went off before the half-time whistle.
He attempted to chase down Beto, who was through on goal, producing a sliding challenge to halt the Everton forward. The offside flag went up seconds after Stones' challenge, which left him in serious discomfort and requiring treatment. The assistant referees, as to aid VAR, are told to hold off putting the flag straight up, even though some offsides are obvious to the naked eye.
Stones, thinking his opponent was onside, had to race back and needlessly put himself at harm's risk. He now faces time on the sidelines and Guardiola made his frustration with the rule known.
He said: "I don't understand. It's so clear, the offside, and now he is injured. They say 'you're right Pep, you're right'... but it's late. It's not them [the officials], the rules come from the big bosses... but I don't understand." The City boss added on Stones' injury: "It doesn't look good, but we will see. It's his ankle."
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The centre-half has already had to work his way back from injury but now faces more time out if the side. The offside rule has angered many since its introduction. Alan Shearer said on Amazon Prime : "This is the issue with not putting the flag up. They keep on playing and one of these days someone will get injured."
John Stones is facing a spell on the sidelinesThis issue has been on the agenda from players and managers for several seasons. Back in 2021 Rui Patricio suffered a serious injury whilst at Wolves. He endured a head collision with team-mate Conor Coady in a loss to Liverpool, later going off on a stretcher.
At the time Jurgen Klopp said the use of the delayed offside flag “needs to be looked at”. Former referee Mark Halsey told The Sun : “I have had major concerns with the protocol all season, it’s been an accident waiting to happen."
Despite the frustrations and fears Premier League chiefs have continued to stick by the rule, which they believe can result in offside goals, that are in fact onside, being awarded after a VAR review.