One of the closest goals in FA Cup history has gone in favour of Newcastle.
The Premier League side are playing away at League One outfit Birmingham in the third-round of the FA Cup and the two teams staged an epic four-goal first half.
BBCDid the ball cross the line? No one knows…[/caption]
With the hosts taking a first minute lead through Ethan Laird, Newcastle struck back in the 21st minute. Or did they?
A Callum Wilson ball into the Blues’ box caused chaos and when Joe Willock prodded it towards the net, Bailey Peacock-Farrell appeared to have made the save of a lifetime.
However, on the far side of the pitch the linesman called the ball in, and his decision was crucial.
Goal-line technology is used in the FA Cup, but only when the home side has the facilities for it, which Birmingham don’t in the third-tier.
And talkSPORT’s commentary team were left mystified by the decision.
“You can’t tell with the naked eye if it’s definitely over the line so they obviously had to use the goal decision system here,” Sam Matterface said.
“But even so I can’t see if that’s crossed the line or not.
“The linesman on the far side gives it, he immediately puts his flag up and gives the goal.”
Former England and West Ham striker Dean Ashton added: “It happens so fast, how could you tell with the naked eye?
“That’s been power volleyed at Peacock-Ferrell from four yards out and hits the keeper’s arm, how are you meant to tell?”
BBCFrom any angle it was impossible to call[/caption]
Willock wasn’t bothered, though, reeling away in celebration before Callum Wilson gave the visitors a 2-1 lead with another scramble in the box.
Yet there was more drama to come as Tomoki Iwata scored a stunning rocket from range to leave the sides level at half time.
More to follow...