This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
On June 17, 2020, Sheffield United were denied a clear goal in their Premier League match against Aston Villa, sparking controversy and an apology from Hawk-Eye, the operators of the goalline technology system used in the Premier League.
The match, played behind closed doors at Villa Park, saw Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland carry the ball back over his own line in a clumsy defensive mix-up just before halftime. The incident was met with widespread agreement among players and staff that a goal had been scored.
However, referee Michael Oliver pointed to his watch, indicating that goalline technology had not verified the ball had crossed the line, despite clear evidence on TV replays.
Chris Wilder, Sheffield United manager, expressed his frustration after the game, saying, "I don't know whether to laugh or cry." He added, "The feeling at the time by everybody, both sets of players and staff, was that of a goal."
Wilder also asked to speak to Oliver at halftime, with the referee explaining that he had to rely on Hawk-Eye's technology. The PGMO, responsible for match officials in English professional football, later explained that the VAR did not intervene due to the unique nature of the incident.
Despite the controversy, the draw moved Sheffield United up to sixth place, one point behind Manchester United in fifth.
