Auxerre-Le Mans: is goal-line technology infallible? Refereeing body rules on phantom goal

The French FA's refereeing body upheld the controversial goal after goal-line technology malfunctioned during Auxerre's 1-1 draw with Le Mans, finding no concrete evidence to overturn the decision.

Auxerre and Le Mans drew 1-1 in Ligue 1's eighth round, but the result was overshadowed by a goal-line technology malfunction. Le Mans' goal, scored by Lucas Buades with a header that appeared not to fully cross the line, was initially flagged by the system's vibration alert. Referee Willy Delajod validated the goal on the pitch.

The French FA's refereeing directorate investigated the incident and confirmed the decision stood. In their statement, they noted that video assistant referees examined all available footage but found no evidence to contradict the goal-line technology signal. When Delajod himself reviewed the available images on the sideline, he similarly could not establish with certainty that the ball had not fully crossed the line.

This marks the first significant failure of goal-line technology in French football. While Auxerre equalised through Cameron Archer, the controversial goal cost them a second consecutive Ligue 1 win. Le Mans, however, climbed out of the relegation zone with the draw, reaching seven points from eight matches.