Ball goes out of play, Norwich score, goal stands – then it happens again

Two of Borja Sainz’s three goals for Norwich City against Derby were scored despite the ball apparently going out of play in the build-up.

The goals meant Norwich beat Derby 3-2 and are sure to reignite the debate about whether to use VAR in the Championship.

For the first controversial goal Norwich winger Sainz scored three minutes into first-half stoppage time with an acrobatic backheel from Josh Sargent’s cross. But video replays clearly showed that the ball was at least a foot out of play by the time the City striker hooked it back for his team-mate to convert from close range.

Remarkably Sainz scored a similarly controversial goal in the 87th minute to complete his hat-trick. This time the ball was hooked back into play by Jack Stacey before Norwich passed the ball up the length of the pitch for Sainz to score again.

Camera angles for the second controversial goal may have been misleading, however, because the ball is only deemed out of play if every part of the ball has crossed the line. In other games it has been proved that the curvature of the ball means it can remain in play even if it appears to have crossed the line.

There seemed little doubt about the first goal, however and the furious reaction of the Derby bench, and their players on the field, told its own story. Referee Oliver Langford, who looked over to his assistant for confirmation, was unmoved.

That was the first league goal Derby have conceded at home this season and, in fact, the first in 200 days, dating back to their promotion campaign from League One last term.

Managers divided over VAR

The nature of both goals will reopen discussions over whether the Championship should adopt VAR, with technology now in place in most, if not all, of their grounds.

So far, the EFL has resisted the temptation, at least in part because of the huge controversies the system has attracted in the Premier League.

Despite his team being on the right end of Saturday’s incidents, Norwich manager Johannes Hoff Thorup said he still wants the Championship to adopt VAR.

“I think we need VAR,” said Thorup. “The best league over here has it, and I know there is a lot of discussions every week over here over decisions.

“But there will always be mistakes and I will not sit here and blame the referees, Saturday after Saturday.

“We just have to make sure we support them, whether video systems or other ideas, that’s the way to support these guys. Their second goal was clearly offside, which is not important, but that will happen if we don’t support these guys.”

Remarkably, Derby boss Paul Warne is still opposed to VAR.

“Would I like to see it after today? Of course,” joked Warne. “But I don’t know. I just think the game is getting more and more complicated.

“We are talking about inches here and there but even though I would have liked it today, you could argue our second goal was offside. If you do have VAR, it is still someone’s opinion.”