Source: Liverpool_Echo
Europa League match officials experiment another first for Everton FC
EVERTON will be involved in another football first tomorrow night.
The Blues Europa League match with AEK Athens will feature five match officials – two extra assistants operating along the goalline at either end to scrutinise penalty calls and whether the ball has crossed the line.
The officials will be in communication with the referee via radio and are able to aid the referee in the same way in which a 'linesman' would.
The scheme is taking place across every game in the Europa League group stage.
A joint statement from FIFA and UEFA explained: “In essence, the additional assistant referees will provide two extra pairs of eyes to monitor the game and ensure that the laws of the game are upheld, informing the referee of incidents of any kind that he may otherwise have missed, particularly in key areas of the field like the penalty area and its surroundings.
“The referee will remain in sole charge of the match and the only match official with decision-making powers.”
As usual, the referee will also be supported by his two normal assistants and the fourth official.
