All Rennes supporters asked themselves the question. In the 102nd minute of added time between Stade Rennais and Villarreal (2-3), this Thursday in the Europa League, Lorenz Assignon was denied the equalizing goal at 3-3. Offside from the right side on the center? Hand of Arnaud Kalimuendo? No, rather the application of the little-known law 13 of the rules of the game.
A few seconds before Assignon’s decisive strike, Enzo Le Fée sent a superb free kick onto the crossbar then recovered the ball in stride without any player touching it in the meantime, which is prohibited by the regulations. “I also learned (this rule) at that moment to be very honest,” admitted Rennes coach Julien Stéphan at the final whistle. “I knew it from a penalty but I didn’t think it could exist from a free kick.”
Unfortunately for Rennes and their first place, this rule does indeed exist and has doomed the hopes of Roazhon Park, which will host a Europa League play-off next February.
