Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland became part of the first goal-line technology snafu during the resumption of the Premier League season. Photo by PA Images/Sipa USA

Sheffield United-Aston Villa presents first Premier League goal-line technology error

By Zac Wassink | Last updated Jun 17, 2020 2:54 PM ET

Less than one half of play into the resumption of the 2019-20 Premier League campaign that was suspended in March because of the coronavirus pandemic, history was made during Wednesday's match between Aston Villa and Sheffield United.

Like in many walks of life this year, it wasn't a good kind of history.

In the 42nd minute of the opening frame, Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland made a meal of a free kick delivered by Sheffield United’s Oliver Norwood and clearly dragged the ball past his goal-line after he caught the delivery.

This was deemed to not be a goal by match officials. #AVLSHU #MyPLSummer pic.twitter.com/6i6lVEnhdV
— #MyPLSummer (@NBCSportsSoccer) June 17, 2020

"Clearly" should be emphasized in this instance.

Not given as a goal the prem is back pic.twitter.com/cJqcv3LPAe
— Ryan (@ryangoIdy8) June 17, 2020

Referee Michael Oliver received no notification from goal-line technology, though, so he couldn't and didn't award the goal in favor of the visitors.

According to Sky Sports, it's the system's first obvious error since goal-line technology was introduced in 2013.

Glenn Murray, striker for Brighton & Hove Albion, was able to have a laugh over the situation.

Here we go
— Glenn Murray (@GM_83) June 17, 2020

With Brighton at 15th in the league table and only four points clear of Villa in the relegation battle at the start of the day, that non-tally could be anything but funny to Murray and his teammates several weeks from now.

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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