League mulls over GLT options

Watford manager Gianfranco Zola led calls for the technology to be introduced in the second tier after his side were denied what he felt was a definite goal in Monday night's 1-1 draw at Brighton.

And a spokesman for the Football League revealed that while it backs the system, used successfully in the Barclays Premier League, installation costs said to be in the region of ?250,000 per club make the debate less clear-cut.

"While the Football League supports the principle of goal-line technology, we also recognise that the cost of implementation across the Championship would be significant," he said.

"We are currently monitoring the use of the system in the Premier League and will discuss the matter further with our clubs at a future point."

In Monday night's televised clash, Hornets' striker Fernando Forestieri thought he had put his side 2-0 up when his shot was cleared from behind the line by Brighton captain Gordon Greer.

Referee Keith Hill did not signal for a goal and, unlike in the top flight, there was no assistance from video technology - even though the thousands watching at home could see the decision was incorrect.

Watford went on to concede moments later and the 1-1 draw meant they missed the chance to jump into fourth in the table, leaving their frustrated Italian manager to lead the calls for change.

"There's no doubt about it, it's definitely a goal," said Zola. "Everyone has seen it apart from the referee and the officials.

"In a championship in which so much money is involved - they say it's ?120million for the teams that go up - it (technology) would help the officials keep everything under control.

"If it is something we can use to make the game better why not? After this I would like it to be at least considered."

The Premier League currently uses the Hawk-Eye system which uses 14 cameras and sends a signal to the referee's watch and ear-piece indicating whether the ball has crossed the line.

It was first used in the Community Shield at Wembley back in August before being rolled out across all 20 top flight clubs.

Source: PA

Source: PA