The Premier League restart was engulfed in controversy on Wednesday when goal-line technology made an unprecedented blunder after players took the knee to protest against racism at both matches. The English top-flight was put on hold in March due to the coronavirus pandemic and all 92 remaining games are being crammed into a six-week period. The first match, between Aston Villa and Sheffield United, finished goalless and Manchester City won the later game against 10-man Arsenal 3-0. The big talking point at Villa Park came late in the first half when Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland appeared to carry Oliver Norwood's free kick over the line.

Referee Michael Oliver's watch failed to signal the goal and the game continued. "I don't know whether to laugh or cry," said Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder. "Already the jokes have started.... It's all going to come out but we're pretty disappointed and we've got to get on with it." After the match, Hawk-Eye Innovations, which runs the technology, apologised "unreservedly" over the incident. "The seven cameras located in the stands around the goal area were significantly occluded by the goalkeeper, defender and goalpost," the company said in a statement.