Danny Welbeck scored a controversial goal against Liverpool on Saturday as they beat Brighton 2-1. There were strong accusations that the striker was in an offside position when the ball was returned across the six-yard box before going past Giorgi Mamadashvili.
Welbeck opened the scoring early in the game, rising highest and heading home from Diego Gomez’s lofted pass. Milos Kerkes then tied the game 30 minutes later by intercepting Luis Dunk’s backpass to the goalkeeper and chipping the ball past Bad Verbruggen and into an empty net.
But Welbeck was unsure whether he was onside when he gave Brighton the lead for the second time just before the hour mark.
Jakuba Minte sent an early cross into a dangerous area, Hinshelwood beat Virgil van Dijk with first contact and the ball was deflected back for Welbeck to score.
The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker immediately looked to his assistant to check if he was onside and if the flag was up.
He nervously celebrated with his teammates, knowing he was facing a harsh offside ruling that could wipe the smiles from their faces.
Mamadashvili raised his hand to appeal for offside, but the appeal was dismissed after a VAR check.
Immediately after the goal was confirmed, footage was shown on TNT Sports showing Liverpool that Welbeck did not go over the ball when Hinshelwood sent it to him.
Liverpool had already received the devastating news early in the game that Hugo Ekitike would be forced off with an injury.
Brighton could have extended their lead in the closing stages with a goal from Minte, but his powerful drive was saved by Mamadashvili, who had replaced the injured Alisson.
Jones also cleared the ball on the line in the 87th minute after receiving a strong shot from Mats Wiefer.
