Avoiding the need to conjure up a miracle in a European Cup final against Milan by taking the trusted Premiership route with three games to spare, Liverpool are through to next year's Champions Leagye competition. And yet their qualification has again been shrouded in controversy and argument.

Interpretations of the offside rule have varied wildly since Fifa confused the subject of interfering with play and at Ewood Park on Easter Sunday it was Djibril Cisse's turn to expose the folly of current guidelines. Standing three yards offside as Robbie Fowler chested a long throw from John Arne Riise into the Rovers penalty area, the French international stuck out a leg then withdrew it to allow the onside Fernando Morientes to collect possession. The linesman decided that as contact had not been made, he did not interfere with play.