The English Premiership relegation drama, which appeared to have ended on Sunday, could be fought in the boardroom with Bournemouth now considering legal action against Hawk-Eye.

The Cherries finished 18th, on the table, one place and one point below Aston Villa.

However, the failure by Hawk-Eye technology, during the first match of Project Restart between Villa and Sheffield United, when the Blades were denied what appeared to be a legitimate goal, could become a huge legal issue.

Villa keeper Orjan Nyland carried the ball across the line after Oliver Norwood’s cross but play carried on, without a goal being awarded to the Blades.

Referee Michael Oliver received no indication, on his watch or in his earpiece, the ball was over the line and waved play on with the match finishing goalless.

Had the goal been given, and Villa lost that match, with the remainder of the season playing out identically, Bournemouth would have stayed up at Villa’s expense on goal difference.

Bournemouth would have survived relegation after their 3-1 win over Everton on the final day of the season.

Hawk-Eye issued an apology, saying it was the first time their system had failed in over 9 000 matches.

“During the first half of Aston Villa vs Sheffield United match at Villa Park, there was a goal-line incident where the ball was carried over the line,’’ the company said.

“The match officials did not receive a signal to the watch nor earpiece as per the Goal Decision System (GDS) protocol.

“The seven cameras located in the stands around the goal area were significantly occluded by the goalkeeper, defender, and goalpost.

“This level of occlusion has never been seen before in over 9 000 matches that the Hawk-Eye goal line technology system has been in operation.

“Hawk-Eye unreservedly apologises to the Premier League, Sheffield United, and everyone affected by this incident.”