Goal-Line Technology Has Just Played A Massive Role In Deciding The Dutch Eredivisie Champion

Feyenoord defeated PSV Eindhoven 2-1 after goal-line technology awarded them a 82nd minute winner.
February 26, 2017

Sunday’s match between Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven was a meeting of first and third in the Dutch Eredivisie table. With the scores level at 1-1 in the 82nd minute, the big winner would be second place Ajax. But Feyenoord's Jan-Arie van der Heijden was credited with a winner in one of the most important and ridiculous demonstrations of goal-line technology.

Van Der Heijden’s header was saved by PSV goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet right on the goal line. Zoet held the ball on the line as evidence of it being saved, and players from both sides began remonstrating with the referee. As the referee looked at his watch, he was alerted that the ball had crossed the line. Zoet had inadvertently dragged the ball behind the line as he got up to argue the call. 

It’s heartbreaking for Zoet and PSV, who’ve been effectively eliminated from the title race, but it’s another example of the importance of technology in the game.