Video technology trialled secretly in 12 Premier League matches
Thursday 17 November 2016 10:28, UK
Sky Sports News HQ has learnt that non-live trials using secret video technology have been used in 12 Premier League games this season.
The idea is that assistant referees monitor live match footage and decide whether or not the correct decisions have been made on the pitch.
The technology, which is in addition to the current goal-line technology, is applied to key incidents, such as goals, penalties and red cards.
Mike Riley, the head of Professional Game Match Officials Ltd, said: "Technology that can help referees in making the correct decision without disrupting the flow of the game will be considered.
"The IFAB has committed to experimenting for a minimum of two years and it's important to use that time to identify the best way to use technology to benefit the game
"This has been in a non-live environment, which means there has been no contact with the match officials at the games."
The trials will continue for the remainder of the season.
Video technology was also used in Italy's friendly against Germany on Tuesday night and led to one goal being ruled out for offside.
The International Football Association Board approved in-game trials with video assistance for referees during its annual meeting in March and competitions in six countries were subsequently approved to run experiments with video assistant referees, although they did not include the Premier League.
