England (Reuters) – Aston Villa and Sheffield United played out a goalless draw as the Premier League made a poignant re-start after the COVID-19 lockdown on Wednesday with strong statements against racism and an embarrassing failure of goalline technology.In the first game back after a 100-day hiatus, visitors United were denied a legitimate goal at Villa Park when the ball crossed the line, but was not awarded, leading to an apology from Hawk-Eye, who provide the goalline technology system.
It was a let-off for Villa, who remained second-bottom in the table with 26 points, while Champions League-chasing Sheffield United moved sixth, a point behind Manchester United above them with nine games of the season remaining.
The match had begun with a strong statement of support for the worldwide protests against racism as the players and match officials all took a knee on the opening whistle.
