GHOST GOAL
Hawk-Eye release statement revealing why Sheff Utd goal at Aston Villa wasn’t given despite admitting ball crossed line
HAWK-EYE have revealed that an unprecedented blockage stopped their goal-line technology system from awarding Sheffield United a winning goal at Aston Villa.
The tech company said that the "occlusion" was the first they have seen in more than 9,000 Premier League games in which the system has been used.
Sheffield United were robbed of a goal and three points against Aston Villa after the goal-line technology incredibly malfunctioned.
Amazingly, it was at half-time that referee Michael Oliver's watch buzzed to alert him to the goal SHOULD have stood in the 0-0 draw.
Hawk-eye later claimed that there was nothing technically wrong with their equipment - which had been tested by officials before the game- but rather an extraordinary set of circumstances.
A statement read: "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 in 9,000 matches that the Hawk-Eye Goal Line Technology system has been in operation.
"The system was tested and proved functional prior to the start of the match... and confirmed as working by the match officials.
"The system has remained functional throughout.
"Hawk-eye unreservedly apologises to the Premier League, Sheffield United, and everyone affected by this incident."
The VAR also later clarified why they did not intervene.
A statement read: "Under the IFAB protocol, the VAR is able to check goal situations, however due to the fact that the on-field match officials did not receive a signal, and the unique nature of that, the VAR did not intervene. "
The incident happened just before half-time, with Villa keeper Orjan Nyland unable to grab a firm hold of United star Oliver Norwood's free-kick.
As Nyland stumbled backwards with the ball, he bundled into the net and post - appearing to take the ball over the line with him.
But ref Oliver's watch did not buzz to alert him a goal had been scored.
As it was, the goal did not stand and the action continued. The VAR did not stop the action to review play.
Blades players protested with Oliver and furious boss Chris Wilder later confronted Oliver in the dressing room.
Blades boss Chris Wilder was furious in his post-game press conference.
He said: "I think the goalkeeper was in the Holte End when he caught it - or dragged it back. My issue is obviously one of frustration. Seven cameras haven't picked it up.
"We went to Tottenham last year, John Lundstram's big toe was offside and I was hanging around at White Hart Lane in the pouring rain for ten minutes waiting for a decision. I don't understand why I can't wait ten minutes in Birmingham.
"The statement has come out and it is unprecedented, unbelievable. I did have a laugh and joke beforehand that we have had some poor decisions go against us and I said I wouldn't bet against one going against us this evening.
"We were waiting for somebody at Stockley Park to show a bit of courage and say they will make that decision but if they've not seen it and seven cameras haven't seen it I suppose he will say that it was not their decision to make.
"It was a really strange afternoon and evening. Quite difficult as well. We should never underestimate the effect of playing in front of supporters. That was quite difficult for both sets of players. Most times we would be talking about a pretty average game but we are not, we are talking about a decision that has affected the result.
"We were all going into the unknown today. I thought the tempo would have been a bit quicker. I love coming to this place. We've had some great battles. It is a club I have a huge amount of respect for but it is double difficult - you can't replicate it when there is no-one in the ground."
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Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp said at half-time of the 0-0 draw: "We talk about goal-line technology being perfect but not here, it went missing.
"We’ve heard the referee said that it said goal while he was in the dressing room at half-time.
"There’s clearly a major problem with Hawk-Eye – it’s decided to take a day off.
"It’s usually perfect, but certainly not this time."
Former Villa star Ian Taylor joked there was no chance it was a goal before admitting his old side got lucky.
He said: "It's never a goal Jamie! No, we got away with one there."
Redknapp later claimed Oliver said the goal should have stood.
Viewers were stunned at the incident.
Gary Lineker tweeted: "Even goal line technology is debatable these days. Strange times."
West Brom striker Charlie Austin posted: "So who is going to come out and explain this one at the end of the game @SkySports surely it’s about time referees come out and do interviews after games? Yes we all make mistakes but why are they protected against doing them."
West Ham star Declan Rice tweeted: "Shambles."
Joey Barton wrote: "Don’t get why VAR hasn’t stepped in? That not a clear and obvious error?"
One fan said: "This is clearly a goal. I know because I saw it. We can all see it. But because Hawk-Eye wasn't working and VAR decided not to step it didn't happen, even though we all saw that it did.
"We are allowing computers to make up football scores, may as well be playing Championship Manager."
Another commented: "So we have goal-line technology AND VAR but apparently this is not a goal. 2020 is officially f***ed up."
In truth there was little else to report in the Premier League's first game back since the coronavirus break.
Wilder will be gutted the technology failure denied his side of leapfrogging Manchester United into fifth and the chance of Champions League football.
Second-bottom Villa did little to suggest they have the strength to avoid the drop.
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