311. Per Mertesacker

Click to enlarge, and debate the strip below the line.

Keith Hackett's verdict

1) Here's a situation where common sense must prevail. In Law, the signal for the corner was given, there was no offence and it's a valid goal – but in reality you need to acknowledge your mistake. You were wrong to signal for the kick before the sub was in place, so disallow the goal and order a retaken corner. And learn your lesson: this is a basic refereeing mistake. Thanks to Dr Stan Kull.
2) You are not supposed to view video footage but this is a hugely serious situation, so you should make an exception and act on it. First, the video clearly shows that, for whatever reason, your assistant saw the offence and chose not to inform you – so you relieve him of his duties. Tell him he will be reported, and arrange for another qualified person, if available, to run the line. Second, inform both managers that you will be reporting the incident in full. And third, tell the home manager that grabbing you is unacceptable, and you are sending him from the technical area. A nightmare scenario. Donald Fitzpatrick wins the shirt.
3) Play on – it was clearly not a deliberate pass to the keeper, so there's no offence. Any attacking player who appeals for a back-pass is being opportunistic. Thanks to Ryszard Kaleta.

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