Spain Defender Reveals What Referee Told Him After Kylian Mbappe ‘Offside’ Goal Protest

The UEFA Nations League saw France win the competition in a controversial match against Spain last night. Even though Mikel Oyarzabal gave Spain the lead, goals from Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe guided France to victory. Notably, Mbappe’s match-winning strike in the dying minutes of the game made front-page headlines. However, not for the right reasons.

As the game came down to the wire, Mbappe rounded the goalkeeper and scored a goal that handed France the winning trophy. Among those disappointed was Spanish defender Eric Garcia, who was beyond displeased with the referee’s decision.

Eric Garcia unhappy with the Kylian Mbappe offside goal

The Barcelona defender expressed his concerns about the situation. Not only him, but many fans and pundits also voiced their opinions on the interpretation of the rule.

“It was clearly offside. The referee told me that I tried to play the ball. What should I do? Step aside and let him run? Apparently, this is the rule,” said Garcia.

While Theo Hernandez provided a defense-splitting pass, Mbappe, according to Garcia, was in an offside position. Eric, being the last defender for Spain, tried to intercept the pass but knocked it over to Mbappe instead, who then rounded the goalkeeper and scored the winner.

Post the game, the videos showed that the French forward was indeed offside and Spain were robbed.

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Pundits express their concerns about the rule

During the post-match analysis, former soccer player Jamie Redknapp looked confused with the rule.

“It’s a really hard one to understand because, from Spain’s point of view, you’re trying to keep a good line. Mbappe has got incredible pace, but he gets the timing of his run wrong. It’s the slightest of touches from Garcia.”

“What the rules say is that it then becomes a second phase of play but what is Garcia supposed to do? Is he meant to just let it go even though he doesn’t know what’s behind him?” said Redknapp.

Chelsea’s defender Cesar Azpilicueta asked the referees to be vigilant and check on the on-field monitor to make the right decisions. While the decision didn’t go in their way, Spain would look forward to great performances from their young core in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in November.

What are your thoughts about the controversial goal?

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