World Cup 2014: Jonathan Pearce's meltdown during France v Honduras

In the 48th minute, with France already leading 1-0, Karim Benzema side-footed Yohan Cabaye's cross goalwards Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images

Benzema's shot cracked the far post and rebounded back towards the goalkeeper, clearly having not crossed the line Photograph: Andrew Medichini/AP

But Honduras's goalkeeper Noel Valladares inadvertently turned the ball back towards his own net Photograph: DAMIR SAGOLJ/REUTERS

The ball crossed the line - albeit marginally - before the keeper could claw it away Photograph: FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images

The technology immediately indicated that the ball had crossed the line, and the referee signaled a goal, causing the French team to celebrate Photograph: LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/Getty Images

During the TV replays, which were also shown inside the stadium, proof was given that Benzema's initial effort, which struck the post, had not crossed the line ... No surprises there Photograph: Guardian

But somehow Pearce, the commentator, and the entire Honduran team failed to grasp the situation and both began to complain, illogically citing the 'no goal' verdict for Benzema's initial shot as proof that the keeper hadn't scored an own goal seconds later Photograph: Jon Super/AP

When the replay moved on to show that the keeper had indeed turned the ball into his own net, Pearce was almost as apoplectic as the players, shouting: "Oh goodness me, they've changed their minds now!" Photograph: Guardian

Both coaches discussed the matter and swiftly agreed the goal-line technology was correct Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images

But Pearce refused to let the matter lie. Even with co-commentator Martin Keown explaining the situation to him repeatedly, he failed to realise the two goal-line technology verdicts were sequential. "Well, which replay are we supposed to believe! If in doubt the referee cannot give it," he argued. Pearce remained comically perplexed for several minutes, eventually muttering "It's not good enough is it?" ... And to compound matters, he later exclaimed that France had scored another goal when they'd clearly hit the side netting. Photograph: Guardian

The response on Twitter was unforgiving ... Photograph: Twitter

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