New offside rule: Dermot Gallagher backs change for new season

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher thinks the altered offside rule will be easier to understand in practice.

In recent seasons, players have been allowed to occupy offside positions without necessarily being penalised depending on whether they were thought to be actively involved in play or not.

Now they will be punished if they clearly attempt to play a ball close to them when their actions have an impact on an opponent’s ability to play the ball.