GOAL-LINE TECHNOLOGY FINALLY HERE AS REVOLUTIONARY HAWK-EYE SYSTEM UNVEILED FOR NEW PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON

The goal-line technology system for the Premier League and Wembley Stadium was unveiled today and hailed as one of the most important developments in the 150 years since football rules were laid down.

The Hawk-Eye system uses 14 cameras and will send a signal with the space of a second to the referee's watch and ear-piece indicating that the ball has crossed the line. The first use of the system will take place at the Community Shield match between Manchester United and Wigan at Wembley on Sunday.

The system was unveiled at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium this morning and FA general secretary Alex Horne said: 'This is one of the biggest changes that has happened in the 150 years since we conceived the laws of the game and it is fitting that it is happening in out 150th anniversary year.

Signal: Arsene Wenger shows off the watch referees will wear to alert them the ball is over the line

Wenger and referee Anthony Taylor (front right) will be hoping the technology brings an end to dubious goal-line decisions

Technology: If the ball goes over the line then it will flash up on the watch

A new era: Goal-line technology will be used in the Premier League next season, with the Hawk-Eye system installed at every ground

It's a goal: Referee Taylor (wearing watch) displays what officials will see when the ball crosses the line

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny discusses the new system with referee Taylor

Szczesny and Arsenal host Aston Villa on the opening day of the new Premier League season

Sensors on the stadium roof are part of Hawk-Eye's technology

What a view: A Hawk-Eye camera focuses on a goal at the Emirates

Answers: View inside the Goal Decision System truck

Hawk-Eye inventor Dr Paul Hawkins (left), FA general secretary Alex Horne (middle) and Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore (right) speak at the launch

The catalyst for change: Frank Lampard's 'ghost goal' at the 2010 World Cup finally made Sepp Blatter change his mind on goal-line technology

Here to stay: A rival system, GoalControl, was used at the Confederations Cup and will be installed at next summer's World Cup

EYE ON HAWK-EYE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

THE NAME

While cricket has DRS, football now has GDS. Hawkeye’s system will be known as the 'goal decision system'.

THE COST

£250,000 per ground, spread over the four years, plus unspecified operational costs each season. The fee is paid for by each individual club. 

THE METHOD

When the ball crosses the line an alarm goes off on the referee's watch. Referees will also get an automated voice-recording of 'GOAL' over their headsets if the ball is in. All PGMO Select Group referees are being trained on the new system in time for the new season.

THE REPLAY

The intention is for replays to be shown on the big screen, but not all Premier League grounds have screens. TV audiences will see the usual replays instantaneously, followed by a graphical representation of the ball crossing the line less than 20 seconds later. The cameras used to capture whether the ball is over the line or not work at 320 frames per second.

THE COMPETITION

The system will be used in all 380 Premier League games this season. It will also be used at FA Cup games where the stadiums have the equipment, as well as at Wembley for the Community Shield and England matches.