FA call for goal-line technology after QPR 'goal'

10 March 2012 15:17

The Football Association renewed their demand for the introduction of goal-line technology after QPR were wrongly denied a clear goal during their 2-1 defeat at Bolton on Saturday.

Television replays showed a header from QPR defender Clint Hill crossed the line before Bolton goalkeeper Adam Bogdan could claw the ball to safety, but the linesman and referee Martin Atkinson didn't award the goal.

The match was goalless at that point and QPR went on to suffer a defeat which pushed them closer to the Premier League relegation zone.

FIFA, world football's governing body, have so far resisted calls for goal-line technology.

But the International FA Board (IFAB) have approved goal-line technology in principle and will go ahead with final tests on two systems, one from British company HawkEye and GoalRef by a German-Danish firm.

A final decision will be taken in July and even though the new season kicks off only six weeks later, Premier League sources say they will look at whether it could be possible to have a system in place.

Within an hour of Hill's non-goal, the FA released a statement, which read: "Following last week's meeting of IFAB (International Football Association Board), the FA would like to reiterate our strong desire to see goal-line technology introduced as soon as possible.

"The FA has been a leading proponent of goal-line technology for many years.

"We will continue to press for its introduction once further independent testing is complete later this year, so that anyone wishing to introduce the technology is able to do so at the earliest possible opportunity."

Source: AFP