Hurst backs calls for goal-line camera
Spurs midfielder Pedro Mendes’ shot, which was disallowed even though the ball clearly crossed the line at Old Trafford, is the most recent example of a disputed decision that could have been solved by technology.
But Hurst’s famous goal in the 1966 World Cup final, when the ball struck the underside of the bar and bounced over - as it was deemed by the linesman - the line, is perhaps the most contentious such decision of all time.
“A goal-line camera would have avoided all the controversy,” Hurst said.
“I believe video technology would be helpful to referees in some cases, providing the process was unobtrusive and didn’t impinge too much on the natural flow of the game.”
Despite the protests of the West German players, referee Gottfried Dienst gave the goal after consulting his Azerbaijan linesman, Tofik Bakhramov.
The debate over the goal has raged ever since and Hurst was in Baku last year to unveil a statue in Bakhramov’s honour ahead of England’s friendly against Azerbaijan.
The Old Trafford controversy has brought the issue back into the spotlight and the International Board, which regulates the laws of the game, are already scheduled to consider the technology available to determine if the ball has crossed the line next month.
It will be discussed at their next annual meeting at the Miskin Manor Hotel in the Vale of Glamorgan on February 26.
FIFA revealed: “Under the items for discussion and in the context of goal line technology, the International Football Association Board will receive a presentation on a new technical proposal.
“A demonstration of the system is also planned at a time and place yet to be decided.”
That demonstration is expected to take place at the Millennium Stadium, with ball manufacturers adidas working to finalise the microchip technology in time for the tests.
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