Veikkausliiga clash decided by final touch as disallowed offside goal sparks debate

FC Inter turned a match that appeared headed for a draw into a 1-0 victory with the final touch at Kupittaa Stadium. Muhammed Suso scored in stoppage time after goalkeeper Johannes Kreidl had struggled to keep out Robert Ivanov’s powerful header from a corner.

The rebound created a scramble, and Suso fired the ball into the net. The goal triggered a huge celebration and moved Inter within one point of KuPS at the top of the Veikkausliiga. Ten rounds remain in the upper playoff group.

KuPS had earlier celebrated what looked like a spectacular goal from new signing Ayman Aiki. The substitute completed a long solo run into Inter’s penalty area and curled a shot into the net. The celebration lasted several minutes before the assistant referee flagged for offside.

The officials ruled that KuPS player Tommi Jyry had affected play from an offside position. Referee Antti Munukka agreed after a brief consultation and disallowed the goal. KuPS players protested strongly, and coach Miika Nuutinen continued arguing the decision well after play resumed.

For much of the match, Inter’s late point had appeared to be the best it could take. Suso’s last-minute strike changed that into a full victory.