A sense of injustice at Everton?

Goal-line technology was once more at the forefront of discussion after Everton were disallowed a blatant goal during their 2-2 draw with Newcastle last night.

Victor Anichebe’s headed effort was parried onto the bar before bouncing back into the goal, with replays showing the whole ball had clearly crossed over the line.

Everton fans had every right to feel hard done by, with both David Moyes and Newcastle manager Alan Pardew admitting that, whilst the goal should have been given, there is nothing they can do about it.

Moyes said: “There are two goals missed [including Fellaini’s effort disallowed for an offside call] so I can't get them back but you hope that the linesman has a look and sees how he missed them.

“I am sure the referee will have a look at them himself and see if he got it right or wrong - which we all know because we have seen it. The reaction of the players was that they felt it was over and they are not usually far off the mark.”

To make matters worse for Everton, Marouane Fellaini had earlier in the half had a goal chalked off after being ruled offside, yet replays show he was in-line with the last defender.

Anichebe scored a powerful effort with five minutes to go in the game, and felt justice had been done for the disallowed goal earlier, yet Demba Ba once more drew Newcastle level just two minutes later after a neat finish through the legs of Tim Howard.

Calls for goal-line technology are once more being made, after another misjudgement by the officials ruled a perfectly justifiable goal out. England fans will know only too well how frustrating this can be, with Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal against Germany during the 2010 World Cup preventing the team from drawing level and losing all momentum in a match they went on to lose.

England were involved in a goal-line technology feud more recently, as Ukraine’s Marko Devic’s effort during Euro 2012 clearly crossed the line but was not given. The goal could have put Ukraine through to the knock-out phase, but instead they finished third in England’s group and failed to qualify.

Goal-line technology is coming with trials well under way, including at England’s friendly in June against Belgium this year, and Fifa President Sepp Blatter will need to ensure, for fan’s sake at least, it will come soon. Early signs suggest however that this is the case, and the introduction of goal-line technology in the Premier League could come as early as the 2012-13 season.

Do you feel goal-line technology is needed in football, and are you looking forward to its arrival?

image: © Ben Sutherland