FFF backs offside call against Youssef El-Arabi in Marseille v Nantes | OneFootball

The French Football Federation’s refereeing department has upheld the offside decision against Youssef El-Arabi, confirming the disallowing of CJ Egan-Riley’s own goal in Marseille v Nantes, which ended 0-2 in Ligue 1’s 17th round.

The review formed part of a Tuesday morning debrief of the 17th matchday.

In the eighth minute, a Nantes corner was headed on by Kelvin Amian while El-Arabi stood in an offside position. Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli then parried along his goal-line. El-Arabi and Egan-Riley challenged for the loose ball and it deflected off the defender into the net.

After an on-field review, the referee ruled the goal out and restarted with an indirect free-kick to Marseille.

The decision held that El-Arabi gained an advantage from his offside position and interfered decisively with the defender, so the offence was punishable. Under the Laws of the Game, a player in an offside position is penalised if he becomes active, notably when gaining an advantage following a deliberate save by an opponent.

Source: L'Équipe