‘Impossible to know’ – Fans can’t believe there’s no...

Sponsored by. FANS were left amazed that there’s no goal-line technology in the FA Cup after Newcastle scored a controversial goal in their 3-2 win at Birmingham. The Premier League giants came from behind to fell their Championship hosts in Saturday’s crunch tie at St Andrew’s. Former Manchester United defender Ethan Laird netted for Brum with just seconds on the clock. Newcastle then fought back 20 minutes later with an equaliser through Joe Willock.

Image Credit: The Sun [Newcastle United players celebrating a goal.]

And his second strike in the 86th minute eventually sealed a 3-2 victory for the visitors. But some felt Willock's first goal should not have stood – though not for the exact same reason as Harry Maguire’s last-gasp winner for United against Leicester yesterday. Willock’s shot appeared to not fully cross the line as it was blocked by Brum goalie Bailey Peacock-Farrell. However, the linesman judged the ball to have crossed over entirely.

Image Credit: The Sun [Soccer game in progress.]

And the goal was therefore given to Toon, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling supporters. In a Premier League match, the issue would have been cleared up instantly due to the use of Hawk Eye, the goal-line technology which determines whether or not the ball has crossed the line. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS. If it has gone over, it sends a clear noise to the referee’s headset. However, it is not in use in the FA Cup, making the linesman’s decision to award Willock the goal even more controversial.

Image Credit: The Sun [Joe Willock of Newcastle United reacting during a soccer match.]

Replays suggested the ball may have just snuck over the line, but a firm decision would have been impossible to make without goal-line technology. And football fans reacted in disbelief after discovering it was not in use for the FA Cup. Former Birmingham defender Matthew Upson was on comms and said: “It’s a tough one to call. “It’s actually impossible to tell whether that’s fully over the line.”.

Image Credit: The Sun [Newcastle United players Callum Wilson and Bruno Guimarães celebrating a goal.]

A fan declared: “This is why technology is integral to today’s game, like it or not.”. One noted: “Not even close to being fully over the line.”. Another added: “Appalling decision, the linesman was at least two yards behind the play, he couldn’t have seen if the ball was over the line from his angle.”. Things got worse for Birmingham minutes later when Newcastle took the lead through Callum Wilson.