Ref Watch: Goals like Duk’s ruled-out Aberdeen opener could stand going forward, and – remember – you can’t be offside from a goal-kick

By Finlay Elder

January 9 2023, 2:19 pm

Duk is Aberdeen's star man at the moment. Image: Shutterstock

Aberdeen ended a winless run by beating St Johnstone 2-0 on Saturday. We once again review the big refereeing calls from the game – which was another Premiership match where Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology played a significant role.

Let’s start with an excellent free-kick routine from Aberdeen, which saw Duk score a first-half opener… or so we thought.

It seemed to be a wonderfully taken goal by the Cape Verde international. However, after a VAR review, Duk was deemed to be offside by the thinnest of margins.

It was harsh on the striker, but was also an excellent example of VAR in use, as the Aberdeen forward was in my view just offside.

It was one of those where, with the naked eye, you would never be able to call it on or off with certainty, and this should be one of the big benefits of VAR – to help officials with really marginal calls.

There were questions about what part of Duk’s body was actually offside, as it appeared to be his arm which was ahead of the second last defender, and you can’t be offside with the lower part of your arm, as it isn’t a part of your body you can score with.

So the officials clearly ruled his upper arm, which you can score with, was also in an offside position – and, as I said, I think their decision was correct.

Aberdeen’s Luis Lopes (R) scores to make it 1-0 but it is disallowed after a VAR review for offside against St Johnstone. Image: Craig Foy/SNS Group

On a related note, I haven’t actually seen a replay of the Duk offside showing the lines which are becoming a common sight on TV broadcasts during VAR reviews.

I do, however, think the offside rule will be amended in the near future to help give strikers an advantage when it comes to being marginally offside, as this would help fan frustration where VAR lines seem to overlap with each other.

Kennedy cross struck MacPherson’s hand – but no penalty was right call

The second major incident during Aberdeen-St Johnstone came in the second half when the ball struck the hand of Cameron MacPherson from a Matty Kennedy cross. There were big shouts from the home support, but – after a VAR check – no penalty was awarded.

This was absolutely the right decision, as MacPherson’s arm was right by his side and in a completely natural position.

I can understand the argument of the defender moving his hand towards the ball, but that would happen naturally when he moved his body towards it.

You can’t be offside from a goal-kick

The final big decision came when Duk scored Aberdeen’s opener (the one which stood) in the second half.

Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin hugs two-goal hero Duk after taking him off during the 2-0 defeat of St Johnstone. Image: Craig Foy/SNS Group

It was a move which started with a long goal-kick forward. This caused confusion in the St Johnstone defence, which allowed Vicente Besuijen to flick the ball through for Duk to slot the ball past the goalkeeper.

Both Duk and Besuijen may have looked to some fans like they were offside when Kelle Roos played the ball forward – But, by the laws of the game, you can’t be offside from a goal-kick so it was correct that the flag stayed down.

This a simple rule some forget, and allowed the Dons to score what was great goal.

Finlay Elder has been a registered referee for six years and a category 5 official since 2019, with experience in the Highland League, juniors and Club Academy.