Technology talk hots up after QPR no-goal

LONDON - Agence France-Presse

Bolton Wanderers’ Croatian forward Ivan Klasnic scores past QPR goalkeeper Paddy Kenny during the two teams’ dramatic English Premier League match. REUTERS photo

Bolton Wanderers snatched a dramatic late 2-1 victory in their clash with fellow strugglers QPR on March 10, as the debate over goal-line technology was reignited after a blunder from match officials.

An 86th-minute winner from substitute Ivan Klasnic bagged a vital three points for Bolton after Djibril Cisse’s equalizer looked to have earned a draw for Rangers following Darren Pratley’s opener.

The win saw Bolton claw its way out of the relegation zone at the expense of Blackburn, although QPR are guaranteed to be left in the bottom three by the end of the week.

But the main talking point from an entertaining game was a disallowed goal from QPR centre-back Clint Hill after 20 minutes.

Replays showed Hill’s powerful header had clearly crossed the goal-line yet despite QPR protests the ref were inclined to give the goal and Bolton escaped.

Fuming Rangers coach Mark Hughes said the incident was further proof of the need for goal-line technology, which world governing body FIFA has said they hope to introduce by the end of this year.
“I’m really disappointed in the performance of the officials,” Hughes told the BBC. “The referee was let down by his assistants. Clearly the ball was over the line. The linesman is there to see that -- that is what his job is.

“Laughably the FA have come out almost immediately and said they’re in favor of goal-line technology.”
Bolton manager Owen Coyle admitted his side had been the beneficiaries of a crucial decision.

“Nobody’s a bigger advocate than myself for goal-line technology. I can totally understand how Mark Hughes will be frustrated.”