Ronald Araújo's 'ghost' goal that highlighted the lack of 'Hawkey's Eye'

Beyond the fact that the result of FC Barcelona-Girona (0-0) on matchday 28 of LaLiga will hardly have an impact on the resolution of the title, the match will be remembered for Ronald Araújo's 'ghost' goal and LaLiga's insistence on not implement the 'Hawkey's Eye' technology to validate goals. Without the chip on the ball that vibrates on the main referee's timer when the ball crosses the goal line, it's all up to the camera located on the line to validate doubtful goals.

Seen what was seen in the World Cup during the Spain-Japan match, it is clear that the cameras are not always completely reliable. On Monday, a Ronald Araújo header saved on the line by goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga drowned out the goal cry of the entire Spotify Camp Nou in the 37th minute. Mateu Lahoz gave the benefit of the doubt waiting for the VAR decision, but later After a couple of minutes, Jaime Latre, in charge of video arbitration, chose not to validate the goal because the images were inconclusive. Nor did the linesman want to 'get wet' in the play and the game continued goalless.

Did Araújo's header go in or not?

🔎 Juzga tú mismo… ¿HAY GOL?

🧤 Así ha sido el paradón de Gazzaniga al remate de Araújo.

pic.twitter.com/kivtl2NRoZ

— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) April 10, 2023

In the live shot it gave the impression that Gazzaniga took her out of the arc. However, the repetitions left the doubt and the arbitration consensus chose to maintain the decision of the 'no goal'. In the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, the 'Hawkey's Eye' has been used for several seasons, but LaLiga insists on the 'guarantees' offered by the line camera to determine whether or not the ball enters in its entirety.

In the catch that ended up determining the VAR decision, the ball seems to have passed the space occupied by the post on Gazzaniga's left hand. Araújo and Robert Lewandowski were the first to request the validation of the goal, without success after the VAR decision. Nor were there any major complaints once Mateu Lahoz gave the order to continue, as there was still a long game ahead.

Xavi regretted the tie, but did not refer to the 'ghost' goal

In the post-match press conference, Xavi Hernández regretted not having been able to capture his superiority on the pitch on the scoreboard. “Things have not worked out for us. We add a point, but I think we lose two. It is a missed opportunity”, said the man from Egar. Despite the tie, Barça has an extra point ahead of Real Madrid (+13). In the absence of ten days, the alirón is only a matter of time.