Pompey defender admits offside lesson

A disputed offside handed out a '˜harsh lesson' to Christian Burgess.
It was a tough afternoon for Christian Burgess & Co. Picture: Joe PeplerIt was a tough afternoon for Christian Burgess & Co. Picture: Joe Pepler
It was a tough afternoon for Christian Burgess & Co. Picture: Joe Pepler

Nonetheless, the central defender has pledged not to be caught out again should the same situation again arise.

On 41 minutes, Burgess controlled a ball from Blackpool on his chest, only to be dispossessed by Kyle Vassell.

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The striker subsequently strode forward and placed a right-footed finish into the far corner of the net past Luke McGee.

It prompted Burgess to immediately question referee Gavin Ward whether Vassell had appeared from an offside position to rob him.

His protests, however, fell on deaf ears as the goal stood for a lead the visitors would show no sign of relinquishing.

Ultimately, Gary Bowyer’s side ran out 2-0 winners, Clark Robertson’s 63rd-minute header sealing matters.

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But Burgess was still feeling aggrieved after the final whistle.

He said: ‘I had a quick look, everybody was offside and, as I had a touch, Vassell was coming back onside.

‘As soon as I touched it, the referee said he was onside even if he was still behind me.

‘It is a bit confusing, there was a similar one in the Liverpool v Spurs game earlier this month when Dejan Lovren touched it, so Harry Kane was no longer in an offside position.

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‘Blackpool played the ball forward so I wanted Vassell to be caught offside – because he was offside – and as soon as I touched it the referee deemed that as fair game and he can nick it.

‘It’s a harsh lesson and next time I will just be clearing it.

‘Recently we’ve actually been trying to work the forwards a little bit and get a good line, pushing up for offside when we can.

‘We did it very well at Fleetwood, but unfortunately it was a mistake for the first goal on Saturday.

‘I have to take responsibility.

‘I could have cleared it and you learn from that.’

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It wasn’t the only moment of controversy between the pair – which also involved Surrey-based official Ward.

On 27 minutes, Burgess and Vassell challenged for the ball in the centre of the pitch before going to ground, with play continuing around them.

Burgess scrambled back onto his feet and started to head back to defend the Blues’ penalty area – only for Vassell to pull him down.

Yet while Ward awarded the foul, no card was forthcoming.

He added: ‘The referee did well to spot it and blew up for it, so credit to him for that.

‘But I am not one to get a player booked.’

– NEIL ALLEN