*Goal-line technology klaxon*

The old goal-line technology debate has once again reared its ugly head. A pulsating encounter between Everton and Newcastle United at Goodison Park on Monday night saw the hosts denied a perfectly good goal in the second half after Victor Anichebe headed across the line, despite Magpies goalkeeper Steve Harper expertly tipping the striker’s effort onto the bar.

Everton have every reason to feel aggrieved for not claiming all three points against their Premier League rivals, with assistant referee Ceri Richards wrongly disallowing a perfectly good goal for Marouane Fellaini prior to Anichebe’s header for offside. Replays, however, show that the Belgium international was onside when the ball was played through to him.

However, it is the header from the young Nigeria international that has once again seen the hot topic of goal-line technology bubble to the surface. It initially began in 2010 when Frank Lampard’s lob over Manuel Neuer in the 4-1 defeat to Germany in the World Cup was judged not to have crossed the line, despite replays suggesting otherwise.

A number of isolated Premier League incidents saw it mentioned once again last season, with Clint Hill right to have felt angered by the official’s decision not to give a goal last season following his header against Bolton Wanderers last season.  Anichebe’s header on Monday night will again see the debate rumble on, with many in the game championing for the idea to be brought in sooner rather than later. 

Comments

[Smarty]

Absolute disgrace - so the goal didn't stand and then Steven Pienaar has been booked for a foul that should never have happened. He should have been running to the corner flag celebrating with Anichebe.

I agree that a klaxon or equivalent should be in play - it works in Ice Hokey, so why not Football?

The linesman was in the perfect position here to see if it crossed the line yet it was still missed. If they can't see from in line with the goal - maybe we shouldn't be so harsh on the Uruguayan who missed Frank Lampard's effort from 25 yards away.