Fans stunned as Brentford exploit lesser-known rule to score opening goal vs Man City – and Pep doesn’t even see it

SOME FANS were left in disbelief after Brentford exploited a little-known rule to take the lead against Manchester City – and Pep Guardiola did not even see it.

The Bees suffered a 3-1 defeat at home to the Cityzens on Monday night.

GettyNeal Maupay and Ivan Toney celebrate after Brentford took the lead against Man City[/caption]

Sky SportsThe Bees exploited a little-known rule to stun the Cityzens[/caption]

Phil Foden stole the show with a stunning hat-trick as the champions closed the gap to just two points on leaders Liverpool.

However, it was Brentford that broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 21st minute after taking the route one approach.

The incident occurred straight from a Mark Flekken goal kick, who thumped the ball straight up field in the direction of Ivan Toney.

The Bees striker had started in an offside position before he held off City defender Nathan Ake without touching the ball.

That allowed it to bounce forward towards the City goal as Neal Maupay charged through to slot home past Ederson.

The move caught the City defence completely unaware, and it appears their manager was aswell.

Replays later showed that Guardiola was facing the opposite direction from the pitch and talking to his bench when Toney’s moment of magic happened.

Some fans, and even City players, were left bemused by the fact that the goal was allowed to stand given Toney’s position when Flekken kicked it.

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However, rules state that a player is unable to be offside from a goal kick, and other supporters loved the fact that he had exploited that loophole.

“Ivan Toney does understand the fine prints of football rules. My word,” wrote one.

Another said: “Honestly I was today years old when I found out there are no offsides for goal kicks.”

A third continued: “That’s quality from Ivan Toney, what a clever run from Maupay as well.”

While a fourth added: “Brentford humbling the noisy VAR club.”