Unprecedented goal-line technology glitch? Controversial goal sparks outrage in French top flight

The pivotal moment arrived in the 48th minute when Lucas Buades headed toward the near post. Goalkeeper Paul Nardi pulled off a sharp reflex save, getting a touch on the ball before it slipped under his arm and he gathered it. However, referee Willy Delajod’s watch buzzed to signal that the ball had crossed the goal line.

VAR intervened to review a potential clear and obvious error. With video replays failing to provide conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field decision, the officials upheld the original call. No official explanation has been given as to why the incident required a monitor review, given that goal-line technology typically delivers definitive verdicts with no room for subjective interpretation.

"The signal didn’t reach all the watches simultaneously, and one didn't vibrate at all. Since VAR lacked conclusive footage to disprove the referee’s signal, the goal was ultimately allowed to stand," the manager told Portuguese outlet Abola.pt.

He later expanded on his thoughts when speaking to Ligue 1+. "I swear the system detected the goalkeeper's glove. The ball simply couldn't have crossed the line. They told me there was a system error, which is completely unprecedented," fumed Will Still.

The home side's hierarchy soon issued their own response. "An unacceptable mistake with severe consequences," Auxerre officials stated in an official release.

The goalkeeper also shared his view on the incident: "I am three hundred percent convinced it was not a goal. Robots might be more accurate than humans, but if you claim it was a goal and you are 100 percent sure, then have it your way," declared Paul Nardi.