Controversy Arises Over Gyokeres’ Offside Position in Carabao Cup Semi-Final

In a thrilling Carabao Cup semi-final match held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Arsenal faced Chelsea at 22:34 UK time. However, one flashpoint during the match did stir up a major conversation. Analysts were divided on whether or not expected transfer target Viktor Gyokeres’s opening goal should have stood. During the discussion, emotions ran high. Former players Jamie Redknapp and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink vociferously discussed Gyokeres’ role in the goal, arguing that he should have been ruled offside.

Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres scored the first goal of the match within minutes, setting the tone for this heated rivalry. The conditions leading up to that goal would quickly become the center of a firestorm of controversy. In a fantastic, sometimes contentious, post-game debate Redknapp and Hasselbaink broke down the tape. This clip speaks specifically to Gyokeres’ body positioning relative to the last defender. Unlike the previous times, their argument was over the misinterpretation of the offside rules. Bournemouth fans made valid arguments that Gyokeres was in an offside position when he received the ball.

The conversation took an intriguing turn when the analysts referenced a recent incident involving Antoine Semenyo, whose goal for Newcastle was disallowed in a previous match. The differences in fan experience between these two situations brought to light the challenges referees still have when making decisive offside calls. Redknapp and Hasselbaink continued their debate about the lack of consistency with officiating in situations like this. Linton and Palmer both emphasized the need for transparency and straightforwardness in moments of high pressure.

Even with minority owners frequently present at matches, the recent Carabao Cup semi-final tie against Nottingham Forest was a hot-headed encounter. It underscored the complete misuse of VAR technology in its current state and how it’s ruining the game. Fans and analysts alike are abuzz with speculation. Will Gyokeres’ goal be enough to finally change the tenor of the debates over officiating?

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