Tottenham-Palace controversy suggests offside technology is ‘inaccurate’ – PGMOL expert
PGMOL are facing questions about the semi-automated offside system after Ismaila Sarr’s goal was ruled out during Crystal Palace v Tottenham.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Genuis System used leaves an element of doubt.
Palace went on to win the game 2-0 thanks to a brace from Eberechi Eze, and have now lost just two of their last 14 games across all competitions.
Tottenham, meanwhile, have dropped to 17th in the Premier League table after suffering their 20th league defeat of the season while West Ham beat Man United.
However, both sides have their eyes on loftier achievements with Palace preparing to face Man City in the FA Cup final, while Spurs will face Man United in the Europa League.
Crystal Palace frustrated after controversial Tottenham decision
Despite what was ultimately a comfortable win for the Eagles, the game was not short of controversy as they had two goals disallowed by VAR.
It was a busy day for referee Chris Kavanagh, who was handed plenty of big decisions to make.
The controversy surrounding the offside decision emerged after images of the semi-automated offside decision were shared across social media.
Jean-Philippe Mateta was standing with both feet inside his own half, but had leaned beyond the final defender with his shoulder ultimately adjudged to be offside.
This, Hackett explained, was the right call within the laws of the game despite Palace fans being left frustrated when their opening goal was disallowed.
However, the system used to evaluate offsides in the Premier League does not use a built-in chip to sense when contact is made to play the ball.
As a result, there is a margin of error about when specifically the ball was played, which could lead to uncertainty surrounding tight offside calls.
Keith Hackett calls on PGMOL to address tight offside decisions
Hackett explained that the uncertainty surrounding these calls casts doubt about the use of the technology, which is used elsewhere with a build-in chip.
The former referee has now called upon the PGMOL to answer questions about the decisions and provide answers about the use of new systems.
“Even though the feet are in the player’s own half,” he explained to Football Insider, “His shoulder, which he can play the ball with, is the reason why the correct offside call is made.
“Is the semi-automated offside system this accurate? That’s the question.
“No sensor in the ball leaves some doubt in my mind in this one.
“The Genius System does not use a chip in the ball and the law states ‘touched or played’.
“They use the ball tracking system, and I believe that this has a slight delay in the decision-making process.
“Given the shoulder is the part of the body that is in an offside position, the offside decision by law is correct.
“Is the system without the chip in the ball accurate? That is the question that requires an answer.”
Oliver Glasner’s side were ultimately unaffected by the disappointment of having their first goal ruled out, and will take confidence into the FA Cup final.
With less than a week until their clash with Man City, the Eagles will now turn their attentions to Wembley, with the chance to make history in front of them.
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