Technology solves technical errors
Zwayer explains the Mainz goal that wasn’t one at all
03/19/2022, 7:29 p.m
The 15th minute in the Bundesliga game between Mainz and Bielefeld caused an almost momentous error. The goal-line technique indicates a goal for the FSV, although the ball has not even crossed the line. Luckily referee Felix Zwayer corrected that after a short deliberation.
Referee Felix Zwayer attributed the surprising and ultimately wrong but corrected goal decision in FSV Mainz 05’s 4-0 (1-0) win over Arminia Bielefeld to a technical error. “We heard that the system was checked during the game and there was indeed a malfunction,” said the 40-year-old. He spoke of a “curious or at least extraordinary” scene.
After a 15th-minute header from Moussa Niakhate, Zwayer had received a signal from goal-line technology on his watch, even though the ball hadn’t fully crossed the line. With a short delay, the referee gave the goal for the supposed 2-0, but corrected the decision after viewing the video images. “The provider has to evaluate that. We heard that the system was checked during the game and that there was indeed a malfunction.”
He wanted to get a picture of the scene for himself. “I didn’t have to and shouldn’t go out, I really wanted to. We were also amazed,” said Zwayer after the whistle as a result of the goal-line technology notification, which had come out of nowhere: “I had a clear perception myself and it was for I don’t think I was so mistaken.” It was “extremely good to go back onto the field with a clear picture and explain it to the players and those involved”. Confusion also set in among the pros at first, but the referee was able to resolve this with an apparently detailed explanation.
Bielefeld’s coach Frank Kramer took the scene with humor despite his fourth defeat without a goal of his own. “The more technology, the better it is. Then the technology can overrule the technology,” he said. Mainz sports director Martin Schmidt emphasized: “Technology played a trick.”