Play-off semis get ‘Hawk-Eye’

GOALLINE technology will be used in next month’s Championship play-off semi-finals before being rolled out throughout the Championship next season.

Originally scheduled for approval at June’s English Football League AGM, the use of goalline technology was confirmed at an extraordinary general meeting last week to give clubs more time to install the necessary infrastructure.

The earlier-thanexpected start has enabled the league to have the system in place for the four play-off semi-final legs between May 13-17.

The technology, which tells the referee if the ball has crossed the line, has been used in the Premier League since 2013 as well as in play-off finals at Wembley and some League Cup ties.

EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey said: “The introduction is a big step forward for Championship clubs and reflects the importance of the outcome of every single game in the division.

“We are extremely aware of the difficult decisions facing match officials and this will help them make the right calls on goalline incidents even in the tightest of situations.

“I’m sure it will become a welcome and useful addition to our broadcast coverage.” KIERAN RICHARDSON and Nigel Reo-Coker have joined Granada on trial on Tony Adams’ first full day as head coach. Former Manchester United and Sunderland winger Richardson, left, was most recently at Cardiff, while ex-West Ham and Aston Villa midfielder Reo-Coker spent three seasons in Major League Soccer, ending at Montreal Impact. ●SADIO MANE has pledged to return to Liverpool “better than before” after knee surgery. “I’ll give my very best to be back as soon as possible,” he said.