End this offside farce, say Hammers

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West Ham, who were leading through a spectacular effort from Cole, were incensed that Darius Vassell's goal in the 15th minute was allowed to stand.

The City striker was clearly standing in an offside position as the ball was knocked in from the right, but play was allowed to continue and Vassell took full advantage to net from close range. "The offside rule now is confusing for everyone," said Cole. "I don't know what it is anymore and they should change it so we're all clear about it again."

FIFA'S Law 11 states that a player is deemed active and to be offside when: "Interfering with an opponent means preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent's line of vision or movements or making a gesture or movement which, in the opinion of the referee, deceives or distracts an opponent."

Curbishley said: "The assistant referee said that he wasn't active but then became active. It's beyond me I'm afraid."

The Hammers manager also denied that striker Dean Ashton had been left out of West Ham's team against City and could be sold during the January transfer window. "Dean had a dead leg and a back injury from the FA Cup game in midweek, while Matty Etherington was out after damaging his knee ligaments in training," he said.