The Official Website for Sir Geoff Hurst

News: Goal line technology and all that

Comment from Sir Geoff Hurst:
As you may be aware, I am in complete suport of goal line technology. It will stop the futile debates on goals that carry a question mark with them, and prevent the anger and frustration caused by errant refereeing decisions when goals are wrongly disallowed.

Some people are surprised that I am in support as the debate continues to rumble on as to whether or not my second goal in the World Cup Final 1966 was in or out. I have said all along that it was in, I only had to see the reaction of my team mate, Roger Hunt, to know. That was good enough for me and the linesman confirmed it. The decision could have gone the other way but that would have robbed England of a goal. I firmly believe, had goal line technology been available then, I would not have had to field the same question for the last 46 years!

There is no debate required on whether or not the technnology should be used but deciding which technology to use will be an interesting process. There are pros and cons to both options currently under consideration. Installing both would be ideal but almost certainly financially prohibitive.

Here are the facts on both options, let me know which one you would opt for via Twitter. It would be great to hear your thoughts on the subject.

How does Hawk-Eye work?

Six cameras per goal are positioned specifically to pin-point the exact location of the ball in the goal. The theory of 'triangulation' is used to get the exact point of the ball, and therefore judge if it has crossed the line completely.

If the ball crosses the line, a radio signal is sent to the wristwatch of the referee within one second. If it doesn't, then nothing happens.

Audiences would potentially be able to see replays although, if the keeper covers the ball, there would be little or nothing to see.

How does GoalRef work?

A microchip is implanted in the ball, with low magnetic waves around the goal.

If the ball breaks the goal-line, a change is detected in the field and a message is relayed to the referee to confirm that a goal has been scored. Again, the whole process occurs within one second. If there is no goal, nothing happens.

Audiences will not see any replays but any covering of the ball by the keeper would not prevent the system working.

---

• To comment, please click here send a message to Sir Geoff on Twitter.