'Stud just on the line' - Explained: Why PSV's controversial goal from long throw counted in UEFA Champions League

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There was a moment of controversy in the UEFA Champions League league phase on Tuesday evening. PSV star Ryan Flamingo gave his side the lead after turning Malik Tillman's long throw goalward. However, the goal was the cause of plenty of debate in the commentary booth, as Jacqui Oatley and Don Hutchison initially believed both the player's feet had crossed the touchline.

'Looked like a foul throw!' - Flamingo scores controversial opening goal for PSV

Video credit: TNT Sports

There was a bizarre moment in PSV's UEFA Champions League clash with Girona, as Ryan Flamingo's opener was accused of coming directly from a foul throw.

USA international Malik Tillman channelled his inner Rory Delap to set up Flamingo's goal, launching a sensational long throw directly into the path of the Dutchman.

However, initially, Tillman's feet appeared to have crossed the touchline, leading TNT Sports commentators Jacqui Oatley and Don Hutchison to believe that the goal should not have stood.

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After consultation with the video assistant referee, the goal was eventually given and PSV took a 1-0 lead.

Hutchison was adamant early on that Tillman's feet had both crossed the line.

"I tell you what, this will be very interesting," he said. "The throw-in, to me, looked like a foul throw.

"It looked like when that ball got thrown into the box, a foot was definitely over the line.

"He is well on the pitch, he should know better."

'That stud is just on the line' - Explanation of why PSV opener was allowed to stand

Video credit: TNT Sports

Oatley agreed, insisting that Tillman's feet did look over the line at first viewing.

"It is certainly being checked," she added. "He did look it [over the line] at the time of taking the throw. It was really clear. It was a really basic error."

The International Football Association Board rules state that, at the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower must have part of each foot on or behind the touchline.

On closer viewing, both of Tillman's feet had not crossed the touchline, meaning the goal was upheld by VAR.

As was explained on the TNT Sports coverage after further replays and checks, "that stud is just on the line", ensuring that the goal was allowed to stand.