Birmingham star scores ‘scorcher’ after Newcastle goal-line expertise confusion
Joe Willock was left to wait anxiously before he could celebrate his goal as he drew Newcastle United level at Birmingham City as no goal line technology sparks confusion before Tomoki Iwata scores stunning equaliser
Joe Willock was forced to wait to find out whether his goal would be given during Newcastle’s FA Cup trip to Birmingham City.
Newcastle went behind in less than a minute against the League One team but drew level after 21 minutes through Willock’s close-range finish.
However, there was no goal-line technology at St Andrew’s, meaning the linesman had to award the goal after Bailey Peacock-Farrell initially appeared to have saved the 25-year-old’s effort.
Willock’s shot was pushed out by Peacock-Farrell incredibly close to the line with the Blues keeper behind his goal-line. Play continued, seeing Willock fire a woeful rebound effort over the bar.
But to his relief, referee Matthew Donohue gave the goal after his assistant flagged that the first shot had gone over the line.
Replays on BBC’s coverage showed that the ball was incredibly close to the line. Despite no conclusive angle, the linesman appeared to have made the correct decision.
Callum Wilson put the visitors ahead just five minutes later, but the enthralling cup tie enjoyed a show-stopping moment as Tomoki Iwata smashed Birmingham level with a rocket from 20 yards out that flew into the roof of the net.
A cross from Birmingham’s left-hand side was headed out of the box but only into the path of the on-rushing Iwata. The midfielder didn’t break stride before meeting the ball on the half volley, sending his strike rifling past Nick Pope in a flash.
More to follow…
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