Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett stated gamers are “uncovered to damage” by delaying an offside flag.

“With the introduction of VAR got here the method of assistant referees delaying the flag to point offside till the result – both a purpose or possession of the ball by the defence,” he informed Radio 5 Stay.

“That is to make sure the place the assistant referee makes an error on an offside choice, it would not impression on the purpose being dominated out incorrectly. Sadly, this observe does expose the chance to gamers of damage.”

Awoniyi’s damage is probably the most extreme incident because the new software of the legislation was launched.

In March 2021 Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio was carried off on a stretcher following quarter-hour of on-field remedy after he collided with team-mate Conor Coady towards Liverpool.

Patricio took a blow to the pinnacle as he and Coady tried to cease Mohamed Salah from scoring. The flag was raised for offside after Salah scored.

Liverpool supervisor Jurgen Klopp stated: “It was an terrible scenario. It was a correct shock.”

In December 2023 Manchester Metropolis defender John Stones was sidelined for a month after injuring an ankle in a collision with Everton’s Beto.

Three weeks later Metropolis goalkeeper Ederson was substituted after colliding with Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff. He was sidelined for 2 weeks.

Following the damage to Ederson, Metropolis captain Rodri stated: “Now we have an damage due to this example we are attempting to repair within the final years. It’s ridiculous.

“There are many accidents on this scenario. So we’ve to verify if it is the most suitable choice to comply with the sport.”