Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke calls on Premiership clubs to use £4million Uefa windfall on goal-line technology

STEVE CLARKE has called for Premiership clubs to use their £4million Uefa windfall to pay for the introduction of goal-line technology.

Thanks to Celtic’s efforts in Europe last season, all clubs that were in the top flight last term landed £370,000 each this week.

And Clarke has urged them to splash the cash on the Hawk-Eye system in a bid to help out Scotland’s under-fire officials.

The Kilmarnock boss feels the technology would clear up the controversy which marred his side’s 2-1 win over St Mirren last weekend.

Saints were furious when Aaron Tshibola’s goal was allowed to stand despite television pictures proving inconclusive as to whether the ball crossed the line.

Clarke said: “After the St Mirren game, I read a lot about ‘controversial this and controversial that’ and ‘the assistant referee has to be 100 per cent sure that the ball has crossed the line before he gives the goal’.

“But, of the two main talking points, the first thing I did when Aaron Tshibola had his header was look towards the assistant ref and he was already 20 yards up the park, heading for the halfway line, which tells you he was 100 per cent sure.

“I think it’s important to clarify some issues but also, regarding the goal-or-no-goal argument, there’s technology out there.

“Because of Celtic’s good work in Europe last year, a lot of clubs have been financially rewarded this week.

“So why not use that money to introduce goal-line technology?

“They have it in England and it’s very clear — the ball’s either over the line or it isn’t. It’s one of the most important decisions in football.”

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Clarke, who this week received a two-match suspended touchline ban for his criticism of referee Willie Collum, believes the technology would ease the pressure on officials.

He said: “I don’t know the exact cost of bringing it in but it wouldn’t be too far away from the £4m the clubs received this week.

“And the SPFL could make it a stipulation that, to be allowed into the Premiership,  every club has to have it installed.

“Why not use that European bonus to assist the officials in this country and try to help make their life a little easier? Because everyone knows that they have the hardest job in football.

“What a great thing it would be for our match officials if they knew that the watch on their wrist — and their assistants’ — would buzz automatically whenever the ball is over the line.

“It would be for the good of the game. It makes instances like the one against St Mirren clear.

“Our officials are much maligned so let’s try to help them.

“I’d happily see that money go towards goal-line technology rather than into my playing budget for that very reason.”

Kilmarnock are aiming to make it five wins on the spin against Hamilton this afternoon, but Clarke will not be taking Martin Canning’s side lightly.

He added: “I’ve been really impressed by the job Martin’s done and I’ve no idea how he does it. They find a way to get results when they need them.

“I spoke to the players before we played them last time and told them Accies are a team which produces wins out of nowhere and that’s credit to Martin and his players.

“It’ll be a very similar chat this time. Hamilton isn’t a headline club — they’re probably one which is looked down on a little bit by some others.

“But their record in recent seasons is nothing short of remarkable and the fact they’ve been able to stay up for so long is testament to how well their club is run.”

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