Ste McGovern
The Premier League finally returned on Wednesday evening but it didn’t take long for the first controversy to rear its ugly head.
In a game with few clear cut chances, Sheffield United seemingly took the lead after Ollie Norwood sent a free-kick towards the back post. Aston Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland caught the ball, but lost his balance while holding the ball, taking it over the line.
The visitors began celebrating what they felt was a clear goal, but referee Michael Oliver didn’t see it cross the line and the usually reliable goal line technology, for some inexplicable reason, didn’t inform him that it was a legitimate goal.
Should Sheffield United be ahead here!? 🤯
It looked as if #AVFC 'keeper Ørjan Nyland took the ball over his own line but goal-line technology says no goal! ❌ pic.twitter.com/kbSsJajwrF
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 17, 2020
Play went on and the half-time whistle was blown not long afterwards, but it left everyone watching bemused as to how a goal was not awarded to the Blades. Naturally Twitter was quick to react to the bizarre moment.
🤔 #AVLSHU pic.twitter.com/AUdj5z9RFY
— Football Faithful (@FootyFaithful_) June 17, 2020
Really?
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) June 17, 2020
I actually cannot fathom what I've just witnessed 😂
— BA Analytics (@Blades_analytic) June 17, 2020
https://twitter.com/AFCMax9/status/1273315492602748937?s=20
Even Stevie Wonder would've seen this ball was inside the net #AVLSHU https://t.co/z0PNLqKzbH
— Unusual Efforts (@UnusualEfforts) June 17, 2020
Sheffield United robbed of a goal. Even VAR has become kinder and more generous during lockdown
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) June 17, 2020
Bielsa would not only let Sheffield United score, he'd also speak to the whoever's running the VAR and tell them not to worry, mistakes happen, and it'll be ok
— Patrick Barclays (@EamoV1) June 17, 2020
Sheffield United fans right now #AVLSHU pic.twitter.com/DPNIRTH0iS
— Out Of Context Bootlegger (@BootleggerOOC) June 17, 2020
That’s tough on Sheffield United, the ball was about a foot over the line; but isn’t lovely to a stupid football controversy to talk about? Wash over me like a warm bath, pointless to-and fro about football!
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) June 17, 2020
Villa fans trying to defend the goal-line technology #AVLSHU https://t.co/I5bfogDEsv
— Zac (@zsCPFC) June 17, 2020
ball has to go 2 metres past the line, keep up
— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) June 17, 2020
Sky Sports trying to quickly record a crowd singing "Fuck Goal Line Technology" to play in the second half.
— Jonny Sharples (@JonnyGabriel) June 17, 2020
not the first time sheffield united have been denied a goal despite the ball clearly crossing the line … pic.twitter.com/1Gh8jjtajy
— callum huntington (@cllmhntngtn) June 17, 2020
VAR could have overruled the GDS, but for some unknown reason did not take action.
"For VAR to sit on its hands and play dumb is ridiculous."#beINPL #AVLSHU pic.twitter.com/ySyNctQgYw
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) June 17, 2020
🗣"I can't understand, I'm standing right by it"
Jamie Redknapp is shocked VAR hasn't stopped and given Sheffield United a goal pic.twitter.com/jyPzN7DDsY
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) June 17, 2020
Nothing like a pointless football controversy to take your mind off a pandemic.
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