The debate over Jude Bellingham’s equaliser against Norway has taken another twist after BBC Sport’s 3D replay footage went viral.
Many fans claimed the new angle proved the ball struck the spidercam cable before dropping to Elliot Anderson in the build-up to England’s goal.
BBC Footage Causes Debate
The 3D replay appeared to show a slight change in the ball’s flight after Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland launched his goal-kick.
If the ball had hit the overhead cable, play should have been stopped and restarted with a drop ball under FIFA regulations.
The footage quickly spread across social media, with many supporters insisting England’s goal should have been ruled out.
VAR Expert Responds
BBC Sport VAR expert Dale Johnson has now dismissed those claims.
Johnson explained that the connected ball system uses 16 antennas positioned beneath the stadium roof and tracks the ball throughout its flight.
He also stated:
“This is not true. There are 16 antennas for the ball signal under the roof. Also, the ‘heartbeat of the ball’ was available at all times. There is a very slight wave which is the ball travelling through the air. Plus, the cable cam footage doesn’t shake or move.”
FIFA’s Technology
Johnson also stressed that BBC’s 3D replay technology is not perfect.
He pointed to a previous World Cup incident involving Ivory Coast and Norway where the same replay system incorrectly interpreted the flight of the ball.
He then shared data from FIFA’s Connected Ball technology, saying there was “no indication whatsoever” that the ball changed direction between Nyland’s goal-kick and Elliot Anderson collecting possession.
FIFA’s Verdict
FIFA had already defended the decision after the match.
Officials confirmed the sensor inside the Adidas Connected Ball detected no contact with the overhead cable, meaning there was no reason for VAR to intervene.
As a result, Bellingham’s equaliser was correctly allowed to stand.
The Bottom Line
BBC’s viral replay reignited the controversy.
But both FIFA’s Connected Ball technology and VAR expert Dale Johnson insist there is no evidence the ball struck the spidercam cable—meaning England’s goal was correctly awarded.
