So here we go again with the question being raised about bent/incompetent officials. This time it's not the referee but the linesman who didn't flag Maguire's winning goal offside in added time for United against Leicester in tonight's FA Cup game. VAR wasn't in use (not until the 5th round it seems) so this incompetent clod won the game for United with his decision.
But here's the thing. As Leicester manager van Nistelrooy pointed out, this offside was so obvious it beggars belief that it wasn't flagged. It wasn't even close as Maguire was about a yard in front along with THREE other United players who were homing in on a free kick. It was nothing short of disgraceful. As it happens, earlier in the game that same linesman flagged a throw-in for United but was OVERRULED by the referee who was much further away. So how come that linesman got it wrong when it happened right under his nose? I know what I think.
Granted that United might well have gone on to win the game anyway in extra time as they had begun to get on top. But that's not the point. The point is that Leicester might have won but they were never given the chance because that decision made sure they didn't. The Leicester players, manager and fans have every right to feel that they were cheated. Let's be charitable and say that it was merely a wrong decision and nothing more sinister. My opinion on that is that the linesman showed such crass incompetence he should be immediately demoted and not be appointed to any Football League game again this season.
Officials keep making mistakes. Bad ones. Obvious ones. And in doing so have deservedly earned themselves a stinking reputation. It's long past the time when their governing body put their house in order because, if they don't, then allegations of incompetence will quickly turn to allegations of corruption. Again, I know what I already think, irrespective.