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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Elliott Jackson

Jose Mourinho wades in on Man City controversy after offside rule changed

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho does not think it is fair that the Premier League has told referees to alter their interpretation of the offside rule after the controversy surrounding Manchester City's opener against Aston Villa last week.

The PGMOL informed top-flight and EFL clubs earlier this week that officials would rule differently on offsides after widespread criticism of Bernardo Silva's goal last week.

The Manchester City midfielder's goal was allowed to stand despite Rodri pressuring Tyrone Mings into giving away possession from an offside position.

The PGMOL later explaining referee Jon Moss and assistant Darren Cann had technically made the right decision as Mings 'intentionally playing the ball' meant Rodri was no longer deemed offside.

However, after lengthy discussions between referee governing bodies over the weekend, the PGMOL ruled that they will not allow goals of a similar nature to stand in future.

When asked what he thought about the decision to change the referee's interpretation midway through the campaign, Mourinho said: "(I am) not happy with (it).

"I believe that now it's right and previously it was not right. But I don't think it's fair that you change a rule during the season."

Villa boss Dean Smith was charged £8,000 by the FA for his comments during the match but was pleased about the decision to review the law.

“I don’t think that law was ever designed to be interpreted as it was," Smith said. “You can’t be seen to seek an advantage from an offside position and come and challenge for the ball. I’m pleased the interpretation of that law is being changed and rightly so.”

When asked if he expected his fine to reversed, he added: “I don’t think there is any chance of that!”

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