FA Reviewing Use Of Goal-line Technology

The Football Association has reiterated its desire to explore the possibility of
introducing the use of technology in deciding whether a ball has crossed the
goal-line after more controversial incidents during the weekend’s fixtures.

Fulham were denied a last-minute equalizer against Middlesbrough after the
referee ruled the ball had not crossed the line despite TV replays showing the
opposite while a similar incident marred the Coca-Cola Championship game between
Southampton and Norwich.

An FA spokesman said: ‘We understand the debate around technology and it’s
something we are keen to explore. It’s always going to be an important talking
point after these incidents.

‘FIFA rules clearly state that a referee must take decisions based on what he
sees on the field of play and cannot refer to video replays at any time during
the game.

‘However, there have been experiments with goal-line technology which sends
an instant signal to the referee telling him whether the ball is over the line,
without using video replays, and there is currently a trial going on at Reading.

‘It would need FIFA’s approval before it could be introduced more widely but
it is something we are very keen to explore fully.’

The mastermind of the Hawk-Eye system used in tennis and cricket, Paul
Hawkins, is overseeing the trials to determine if a ball crosses the line or not
for the Premier League, which are taking place at Reading’s academy.