REFEREE Gary Willard yesterday explained the reasoning behind his controversial decision to disallow a stunning Michael Thomas "goal" on Wednesday night. The Worthing official ruled out the Liverpool midfielder's strike at the Kop end against Wimbledon after spotting the raised flag of linesman Michael Stoddart.
Liverpool had to settle for a 2-2 draw - and those two dropped points could prove costly when the Premiership title honours are finally handed out.
Willard was adamant he had made the right decision and said striker Robbie Fowler had strayed offside and into the line of goalkeeper Neil Sullivan.
"When the shot came in, the Liverpool player was interfering with play," he said. "He was in the six-yard area and in direct vision with the Wimbledon keeper. He was in what we call the active zone and if you interpret the rules properly you have to disallow the goal."
Wimbledon manager Joe Kinnear described linesman Stoddart as "probably the bravest I have ever come across."
Willard added: "That is praise indeed. But no matter where you go you have got to be big enough and brave enough to make decisions like that."
Liverpool manager Roy Evans was deeply disappointed with the decision, arguing that his young striker wasn't interfering with play. He said: "I didn't agree with it but the linesman made the decision and we have to stand by it whether we like it or not.
The draw left Liverpool five points behind leaders Newcastle and four adrift of Manchester United. Kevin Keegan's front runners also have a game in hand.
Liverpool, however, could narrow the gap tomorrow when they entertain Chelsea as Newcastle don't play until Monday when they face West Ham.
Evans may be tempted to shake things up after fielding the same starting line-up in eight successive matches. He accused his team of adopting kamikaze tactics against Wimbledon and midfielder Jamie Redknapp could be in line for a recall from the start.
The National League Reserve Division committee have removed three clubs Athlone Town, Waterford United and Dublin City University from the Reserve Division, with immediate effect, for the remainder of the season.
The clubs were deemed to have been in breach of certain regulations stipulated at the beginning of the season. Failure to fulfil a fixture would result in the club being fined £100 and docked three points, while a second unwarranted postponement would lead to a £200 fine and demotion from the Reserve League. In all instances the opposing teams will be granted the three points - DCU have eight games to fulfil, Waterford 14 and Athlone 12. It is believed that Athlone, for one, will appeal the decision.
