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Xtra Time Web Desk: A goal line controversy marked the return of Premier League after a gap of almost three months on Wednesday. Sheffield United was robbed of a genuine goal as they were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa at the Villa Park.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland failed to latch on to a freekick from Sheffield United’s Oliver Norwood at the stroke of half time. Nyland seemed to have stumbled back with the ball in his hand over the goal line. But referee Michael Oliver did not signal for a review as he did not get a buzz in his watch to alert him whether the ball has gone over the line or not. The incident left the Sheffield United footballers stunned as the replays definitely looked the ball went over the line, sparking a major controversy on Premier League return. The host broadcasters i.e., Sky Sports said they had contacted Hawk-Eye for clarification on what happened.

In a hurriedly released statement Hawk Eye said, “The seven cameras located in the stands around the goal area were significantly occluded by the goalkeeper, defender and goalpost. This level of occlusion has never been seen before in over 9000 matches that the Hawk Eye Goal Line Technology system has been in operation”.

It also added, “The system was tested and proved functional prior to the start of the match in accordance with the IFAB Laws of the Game and confirmed as working by the match officials.”

Prior to the start of the match, both Aston Villa and Sheffield United footballers knelt down around the centre circle for 10 seconds, expressing their collective support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Both sides were seen wearing jerseys with Black Lives Matter written at the back.

In a joint statement released by both clubs it said, “We believe that ‘taking a knee’ at the start of the fixture and after the pre-match minute’s silence, allowed both clubs to pay their respects to COVID-19 victims and to show the deep gratitude we all feel for our brave and selfless front-line workers.”