Swedish referee receives UEFA backing over decision to allow Van Nistelrooy's 'offside' goal

UEFA insisted that the decision to allow the goal was the correct interpretation of FIFA laws, a view also expressed by the Premier League referees' chief Keith Hackett.  

However, Sportsmail columnist and former referee Graham Poll said the referee's assistant was guilty of a mistake that might cost the referee, Peter Frodjfelt, a chance to officiate in the final.

Offside! Gianluigi Buffon protetsts to the linesman after Ruud van Nistelrooy tapped in Holland's controversial opener from close range in Berne

Van Nistelrooy tapped home the first goal in Berne when Christian Panucci was deemed in play despite being off the field after colliding with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.  

The strike was awarded despite the protests aimed at referee Frojdfeldt, with Holland going on to win 3-0. 

"If we did not have this interpretation then what could happen is the defending team could step off the pitch to play offside and that is clearly unacceptable," said UEFA general secretary David Taylor.  

"We have to have the laws as simple as possible for the referee to interpret and for tactical use of the laws if you introduce other interpretations. As a defender you are in play unless you have permission to be off the field."  

Keith Hackett: "The goal was good"

Graham Poll: "It was a mistake"

With Panucci injured, the goal raises an issue about the spirit the game is played in, but Taylor added that UEFA referees were simply applying rules.  

He added: "We are not part of the International Board but if they look at these matters it's entirely up to them. We apply the law as it is now.  

"That is a matter for the International Board to decide if they need to do anything like that.  

"The situation here is clear - the referee fraternity are clear this is the proper interpretation."

Hackett agreed that the Italians could have no complaints about Van Nistelrooy's goal.

"The fact is the assistant was correct, the defender who slid off the field is still regarded as active," Hackett said.  

"Christian Panucci went off through contact with his own goalkeeper (Gianluigi) Buffon. He is still considered part of the game."  

Austria's refereeing commission chief Gerhard Kapl, meanwhile, also maintained the decision was "100 per cent correct", quoting article 11.4.1. of the refereeing code which states "an opposing player cannot be offside when one of the last two defenders has left the field of play" - as was the case with Panucci.  

Holland's next game is against World Cup runners-up France on Friday, while the Italians must regroup for their clash with Romania.