Semi-Automated Offside Technology failed during Newcastle United's match against Chelsea, forcing VAR officials to manually review Nick Woltemade's second goal and causing a lengthy stoppage at St James' Park. The German striker's goal was eventually confirmed as onside after Peter Bankes and Eddie Smart manually constructed offside lines.
Woltemade had broken the deadlock within four minutes before doubling Newcastle's lead midway through the first half. Anthony Gordon delivered a cross which Woltemade finished first-time past goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
The prolonged VAR check frustrated Newcastle supporters before the goal was awarded. The Magpies led 2-0 at half-time against Chelsea.
Official explanation
The Premier League issued a statement on X confirming the technical malfunction. «The referee's call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with Woltemade in an onside position. Due to technical issues, Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) wasn't available during the VAR check. The VAR was required to manually construct lines in determining this decision,» the Match Centre explained.
TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher provided further context during the broadcast. «The semi-automated offside was down at that point so they didn't have that technology to lean on,» he said. «Which would have speeded things up, hence it took Peter Bankes in the VAR room longer to work it out so that's just a bit of an explanation whether you like that kind of thing or not that's the reason why it took longer.»
Technology background
SAOT was introduced to the Premier League in April after debuting in English football during the FA Cup last season. The system uses player tracking and 30 in-stadium cameras to generate images for offside line placement.
The technology was used at the 2022 World Cup and has been operational in the Champions League for several years. The Premier League developed its version in collaboration with PGMOL and provider Genius Sports.
Woltemade had scored an own goal against Sunderland the previous week before his two-goal performance against Chelsea.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
