NEW semi-automated offside technology has made Premier League history by chalking off its first goal.
Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze thought he had made it 3-0 to the Eagles against Manchester City this afternoon.
The England midfielder sprinted in behind the City defence and finished beyond Ederson before being flagged offside by the linesman.
Eze was adamant that he had timed his run to perfection, wagging his finger in disbelief at the decision.
The goal was immediately checked by VAR’s semi-automated offside technology and within seconds, it was confirmed that he had narrowly gone too early.
It was the first time in Prem history that a goal was disallowed following the new check.
The decision changed the course of the match as City fought back from 2-0 down to level things at 2-2 heading into half-time.
But it was semi-automated offside’s second use in the game after it supported the on-field decision to award Eze’s first goal after a possible offside in the build-up from Ismalia Sarr.
Fans praised the new system, with one saying: “Semi-automated offside is pleasant to see.”
Another added: “Took a matter of seconds yet it took till April with only six games of the league season left for the Premier League to bring it in.”
Others disagreed, commenting: “Oh look, finally a decision graphic but it doesn’t even show that they’ve gotten the timing of the pass correct. This is useless.”
The new system, devised by the US-based company Genius Sports, aims to reduce offside waiting times to an average of 30 seconds.
A whopping 28 cameras per match are deployed to track 10,000 plus data points for each player to come the decisions.
Explaining the tech, a Prem statement read: “Semi-automated offside technology automates key elements of the offside decision-making process to support the video assistant referee (VAR).
“It provides more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, using optical player tracking, and generates virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for fans.
“The technology maintains the integrity of the process while enhancing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decision-making.
“The Premier League has worked in collaboration with PGMOL and sports data and technology company Genius Sports to develop the new semi-automated offside technology system.”
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