I know it has been done to death, but you might be interested in this quote from a Liverpool forum:
"The goal didn't come about because the offside rule is stupid, it came about because the ref and linesmen made an absolute howler. It should have been hauled back, but credit to Fowler and Morientes for getting on with it. Play to the whistle and all that. At least two Blackburn defenders stopped dead and turned to the ref, when they could've easily got themselves in front of Fowler as the ball came back in to him.
Was a bit disappointed with Cisse's attempt at cracking on that he wasn't interfering after the event. Wasn't exactly helpful, and it's no wonder he was on the end of some questionable challenges after that.
From Blackburn's point of view, I'm just glad it didn't happen in the last five minutes of the match. If we'd have been in their position, I'd have been livid, but still would've expected to get something from the match from 1-0 down. If Blackburn end up a draw short of a CL place next season, I'll really feel for them.
All this said, the rule on the whole isn't being implemented well. Any rule that asks the officials to have an opinion on a situation as opposed to one thing being alright and another being wrong always ends up conning most teams over the course of a season. Yes, they do seem to even themselves out, but I'd rather they weren't there to start off with.
And I have a horrible feeling that bad refereeing on this matter will end up having a say in the destiny of the World Cup."
Here is the link if anyone cares - http://www.liverpoolfc-newkit.co.uk/cgi-bi...=ST;f=1;t=17268
Everyone agrees it is silly, and 'over a season it all evens out' isn't really good enough. Is there a formal way for fans to input into FIFA decisions/discussions on these things? Anyone know? After all, with all the energy spent whinging about this, wouldn't we be better to direct in a constructive way?