Exclusive: Ex-FIFA ref shocked by Nations League incident, Wales FA rightly outraged
Keith Hackett has forcefully backed Wales Women after they were hard done by in their UEFA Nations League defeat to Denmark.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that goal-line technology ought to have been in operation in that match.
Rhian Wilkinson’s side were beaten 1-0 by Denmark on Friday (30 May), a result which has seen them relegated from the top division of the women’s National League.
However, things could have been very different for Wales, had goal-line technology been available for the game in Odense.
Wales Women denied opening goal against Denmark
With 19 minutes on the clock and the score still locked at 0-0, the visitors thought they had taken the lead in the match.
After a shot was parried by Denmark goalkeeper Maja Ostergaard, it looked as though Jess Fishlock had forced the ball over the line from close range.
But with that effort quickly being cleared by a Danish defender, the officials elected not to give the goal to Wales.
Although images appeared to hint that the whole of the ball may well have crossed the line, the absence of goal-line technology meant the decision was not overturned.
Officials from the FA of Wales will have been questioning why the system was not in use, a sentiment that will have been emphasised by that ultimate defeat and relegation.
Now, Hackett himself has suggested that UEFA were wrong not to ensure that goal-line technology was in use for a game such as this.
UEFA scrutinised over goal-line technology
After being asked by Football Insider whether Wales have a case to be frustrated about the situation, Hackett said:
“Absolutely! When you see photographs of that type where the ball looks to be completely over, I can tell you in my biased view, having spent weeks and weeks and weeks with HawkEye on the development of goal-line technology, I know you can be fooled by a still picture, that’s the first thing...
“So at international level or elite level, however you want to put it, not having goal-line technology is just incredible…
“First of all I think it’s easy to scream after the event. Perhaps the FA of Wales, who are members of the IFAB and have sat in judgement in terms of the introduction of goal-line technology, I think they have every right to be concerned that it wasn’t in operation.
“I think it’s pretty poor at international level, and give respect to the women’s game, I find it amazing and disappointing.
“The level of discussions that I had with the IFAB board – and remember it’s England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and FIFA – I’m amazed that nobody at the FA of Wales has not checked before the game’s took place.”