The operator of the Premier League’s goal-line technology has apologised after an error saw Sheffield United denied a first-half goal against Aston Villa.
Villa goalkeeper Oliver Nyland failed to collect Oliver Norwood’s free-kick effectively and stumbled behind the goal-line, which would have been the only goal of the match and would have seen Sheffield United pick up a valuable win in their hunt for European football.
However, the goal-line technology was not triggered and referee Michael Oliver did not award a goal, signalling that he had no indication from his watch that the ball had crossed the line.
As a result, Hawkeye, the operator of the technology, has issued an apology to the Premier League and Sheffield United. A statement read:
“During the first half of Aston Villa v Sheffield United match at Villa Park, there was a goal-line incident where the ball was carried over the line by Aston Villa goalkeeper, No. 25 Nyland.
“The match officials did not receive a signal to the watch nor earpiece as per the Goal Decision System (GDS) protocol.
“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.
“The system was tested and proved functional prior to the start of the match in accordance with the IFAB Laws of The Game 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 PGMOL added: “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.”
Sheffield United now head to Newcastle for Sunday's Premier League clash, with the Magpies getting their season back under way at St James' Park.
