We spoke to The FA's Head of Refereeing, John Baker, to clear things up regarding the offside rule: "At its business meeting in September 2003 the International FA Board reconfirmed its commitment to attacking play and to reducing the number of goals cancelled out through offside judgements. The Board delivered a clear interpretation of involvement in active play in Offside situations," he told us.

"This is the function of the International Board. The important thing to remember is that no change was made to the Law itself. The Board merely offered advice on its application.

"The emphasis was on deciding whether or not a player in an offside position was actively involved in play and therefore penalised.

"Match Officials have been given the clear instruction not to decide too soon. Wait, Wait, Wait and see was the advice. Often the media and spectators interpret this as "a late flag" but it is in the best interests of the game for the decision to be made only when the player becomes involved in active play."

The Advice from the Board was as follows:

How to interpret: Interfering with play

PLAYING OR TOUCHING a ball passed or touched by a team-mate.

How to interpret: Interfering with an opponent

· PREVENTING an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball. For example by clearly obstructing the goalkeeper's line of vision or movements.

· Making a gesture or movement while standing in the path of the ball to DECEIVE OR DISTRACT AN OPPONENT.

How to interpret: Gaining an advantage by being in that position

· PLAYING A BALL that rebounds off a post or the crossbar having been in an offside position.

· PLAYING A BALL that rebounds off an opponent having been in an offside position.

The referee's decision is final.