‘Disappointed’ and thankful: Football Alberta on controversial semifinal ruling

Football Alberta says they are disappointed following Football Canada’s statement and ruling regarding a controversial call at the end of the U18 Football Canada Cup in Regina on Wednesday.

Following Alberta’s 12-11 loss to Quebec in the semifinals thanks to a game-winning field goal, Alberta launched an appeal regarding a flag on the play before.

Thursday Football Canada issued a statement on social media in response to the appeal, where they acknowledged an error was made.

2024 Football Canada Cup - Review of Alberta-Quebec Semi-Final pic.twitter.com/C8zi6Y7UqM

— Football Canada (@FootballCanada) July 12, 2024

“Our staff conducted a thorough frame-by-frame video review of the appealed play in the Alberta-Quebec semifinal. While an error was made, our precedent on judgments regarding on-field calls makes the irreversible,” said Jim Mullin, president of Football Canada in a statement.

The call in question? As the clock was about to hit zero, a referee threw a flag and called a time count violation against Quebec. As a result of the penalty, the game was extended for one more play, which allowed Quebec to kick the game-winning field goal.

During Football Canada’s review of the game footage, it was determined that the call was made in anticipation of the play clock running out, and not as it ran out.

“There was one second remaining on the play clock, and the official began to pull his flag with seven-tenths of a second remaining on the play clock,” said Football Canada.

They went on to state that unlike the professional game — the Canadian Football League — where a time count penalty on the final play would normally end the game, in mature football, the call results in a repeat of the down.

“There are potential fixes for this in the future through policy and rule changes, but that is likely of little consolation for Team Alberta at this moment,” said Mullin.

“Feeling like you’ve won a game and the chance to advance to a gold medal game was taken away by a call and this can trigger a torrent of emotions. But the human element is central to sport, and mistakes are part of the element. We need to remind ourselves in these moments that we are as good as we treat others.”

Football Alberta issued a statement in response on Friday, saying while they find the review distressing and disappointing, they are thankful that Football Canada publicly acknowledged the error.

Football Alberta also noted that while they don’t like the ruling, they have to accept that games do not get overturned afterward even for human error.

“The main intent of this release is to commend the 50 coaches, players, and staff, plus the families of the players for Team Alberta for the outstanding display of character and class in the face of this heartbreaking moment,” said Football Alberta.

Alberta will be taking on provincial neighbours and host team, Saskatchewan at Mosaic Stadium in the bronze medal game on Saturday at 4 p.m.

“We hope will be an ‘undefeated bronze’ victory,” said Football Alberta to conclude their statement.