Years ago I heard a referee talk about this.
His method to ensure fair play was for the linesman to watch the goalkeeper, but himself to look at the edge of the box and simply listen for the kick of the ball.
Easy isn't it.
That is what is supposed to happen but more and more goalkeepers are stepping forward thus narrowing the angle drastically
I was chatting to a County league linesman the other day after a similar incident (where the penalty was disallowed). He said he would allow the keeper a step forward - but three was taking the piss.
That linesman should not be allowed to officiate then. It's not upto him to make up rules, that's Fifa's job. What would happen if he decided to allow defenders to be only 9 yrds back at a free kick or let a penalty taker kick from a yard in front of the penalty spot.
Unfortunately, it's that sort of officiating that is a discredit to the game and what infuriates fans more than anything else.
I have actually emailed a similar picture to the FL(I hope Oz Mike doesn't) I have a contact there I am awaiting their response / excuse.
Nothing can be done to change the result but would like to see the FA fine/suspend the officials for such a blatent mistake.
agreed, and very unfortunate for us that despite hitting the inside of the post it bounced out accross the line rather than go in.