This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
Goal-Line Technology Error Denies Sheffield United Goal ¶
June 17, 2020 - The Premier League restart was marred by controversy on Wednesday when goal-line technology made an unprecedented mistake during a match between Aston Villa and Sheffield United.
Players and staff from both teams took a knee before the match to protest racial injustice, a gesture that was repeated at Manchester City's match against Arsenal.
At Villa Park, Aston Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland appeared to carry Oliver Norwood's free kick over the line, but referee Michael Oliver's watch failed to signal the goal, and the game continued.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder expressed his disappointment, saying, 'I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Already the jokes have started…. It's all going to come out but we're pretty disappointed and we've got to get on with it.'
Hawk-Eye Innovations, which runs the goal-line technology, apologized 'unreservedly' over the incident, citing that the seven cameras located in the stands around the goal area were significantly occluded by the goalkeeper, defender, and goalpost.
This level of occlusion has never been seen before in over 9,000 matches that the Hawk-Eye Goal Line Technology system has been in operation.
Manchester City's 3-0 win over Arsenal, with goals from Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden, means Liverpool cannot seal the Premier League title when they return to action this weekend.
