Goal-line technology appears to have incorrectly awarded a goal during Auxerre’s match against Le Mans on Sunday, October 25, after seemingly confusing the goalkeeper’s glove with the ball. The decision validated Le Mans player Lucas Buades’ opening goal, despite conventional video footage appearing to show the ball had stayed on the field beneath the goalkeeper.
A graphic generated by the system indicated that the ball had completely crossed the goal line. However, the available video images did not show it entering the goal. Referee Willy Delajod reviewed the incident on the pitchside screens but upheld the decision, saying there was no clear evidence that the technology was wrong.
After the match, Auxerre coach Will Still pointed to the system’s 3D animation as a possible explanation. In the sequence, the virtual ball appears where the goalkeeper’s right glove is positioned as he braces himself, while controlling the ball with his left hand. The images suggest the system may have tracked the glove as if it were the ball.
Sources: Le Monde Sport.