The phrase "patent nonsense" means something that is completely absurd or foolish, to the point where it is obvious and undeniable. It refers to ideas or statements that lack all sense and logic. Full definition
It's a dizzyingly effective look at the internal mechanisms of confirmation bias, inviting observers to goggle at other people's inexplicable behavior while failing to notice a similar choice to believe patent nonsense. (film.avclub.com)
But to eliminate the offside rule (its infringement is a free - kick offense, by the way, not a penalty) would be to make patent nonsense of the game. (si.com)