Dyche calls for goal-line tech in 2nd tier after Burnley drama
Hull thrash Bristol City 4-0
LONDON, April 2, (AFP): Burnley manager Sean Dyche called for goal-line technology to be used in the Championship after the leaders were controversially denied a late goal in their dramatic 2-2 draw at Brighton on Saturday.
Trailing 2-1 at the Amex Stadium with two minutes remaining, a header by Burnley defender Michael Keane clearly crossed the line but was not given by referee Craig Pawson.
It seemed Brighton’s lucky escape would help them move within one point of Dyche’s side in the race to reach the Premier League.
But Keane responded by powering in another header from Matthew Taylor’s corner deep into stoppage-time to rescue a draw that kept Burnley three points clear of Middlesbrough at the top of the second tier table. Brighton had been the better side for long periods and Dale Stephens put them ahead before Andre Gray levelled with his 21st goal of the season.
French winger Anthony Knockaert restored the Seagulls’ advantage on the stroke of halftime, but the hosts had to settle for a result that left them in third place, one point behind Middlesbrough who have a game in hand.
Although Burnley emerged unscathed, Dyche still felt Keane’s disallowed goal was a perfect example that goal-line technology was needed given the potential for such decisions to influence the lucrative promotion battle.
“It was a clear goal and it has to be viewed properly,” Dyche said.
SOCCER
“I will only imagine that the technology will drip-feed into the Championship. There is so much at stake in the Championship and this is a great example.
“That has got to be given as a goal. When it is that obvious, it has to be officiated properly.”
Hull are hot on Brighton’s heels in fourth place after a 4-0 thrashing of Bristol City reduced the gap to just three points.
Curtis Davies, Robert Snodgrass, Mohamed Diame and Sone Aluko got the goals as the Tigers picked up their first win in six league games.
Stuart O’Keefe’s second-half strike helped Cardiff to narrow the deficit on fellow play-off hopefuls Derby to just two points after a 2-1 win over the Rams in South Wales.
Derby slipped down to sixth after Fernando Forestieri’s late winner saw Sheffield Wednesday leapfrog them with a 1-0 win at Huddersfield.