By the letter of the law you can argue the case for both sides

There is some further "guidance" to referees which suggests they should "consider" players who have left the field of play temporarily and without permission when deciding if there are 2 players between the attacker and the goal for the purposes of the offside rule. on that basis the defender was arguably active and therefore could count in terms of playing RVN onside.

The rule that is being used to justify the decision relates to deliberate attempts to play people offside by stepping off the pitch and is therefore not really relevant here if you ask me.

No doubt the rule will be changed now so as to avoid this happening again!

Posted By: Jim, Jun 10, 12:11:32