Controversial goal validated by GLT

During a Ligue 1 match between AJ Auxerre and Le Mans, which ended in a 1-1 draw, a goal by Le Mans was validated at the 48th minute by goal line technology (GLT), triggering the central referee Willy Delajod's watch. However, none of the camera angles provided could confirm that the ball actually crossed the goal line of Paul Nardi.

Goal by Le Mans player Lucas Buades

The goal in question came from a header by Le Mans player Lucas Buades, which was barely blocked by Paul Nardi. The central referee's watch, connected to the GLT, signaled the validation of the goal. However, the available angles could not confirm that the ball fully crossed the Auxerre goal line.

VAR doubts the goal's validity

The VAR approached the central referee Willy Delajod, but Delajod chose not to overturn the technological tool due to the lack of a convincing slow-motion replay. The VAR referees expressed genuine doubts about the Le Mans goal.

Auxerre questions GLT reliability

The controversy was raised by the Auxerre bench, who were convinced of a malfunction in the GLT. The AJA coach Will Still stated that the VAR did not have a good enough angle to contradict the main referee's technology and therefore decided to validate the goal. He also mentioned that a 3D replay showed the ball supposedly just behind the line and that he had a "300% feeling that there was no goal."

Club criticizes GLT and demands action

The Auxerre club has also published a statement, condemning the GLT failure and recalling its cost "in the order of 1.4 million euros per year for the LFP." They are waiting for the LFP and the Arbitration Directorate to provide clear answers, concrete guarantees, and if necessary, immediate corrective measures to ensure that such a situation does not happen again. Paul Nardi, the AJA goalkeeper, indicated on Ligue 1 + that he has "a 300% feeling that there was no goal" and concluded with a comment on the reliability of the technology.