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Can Goal-line Technology Restore Confidence In The Beautiful Game?

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Discussion started by Marc Sibbons , on Friday, 06 July 2012 10:14

This weekend's F.A Cup Semi Final between Chelsea & Tottenham was an entertaining game from a spectator's point of view, but was yet again marred by a blunder from the match officials. Chelsea's second goal in their 5-1 win over their London rivals was controversial to say the least. While Juan Mata will officially be named the goalscorer, television replays clearly show that the ball did not cross the line, or to put it simply, was no where near the line. To the anger of the Spurs players/staff/fans, referee Martin Atkinson awarded the goal almost immediately without consulting the linesman.

Is this latest incident the final straw for FIFA to bring in goal-line technology? Why haven't FIFA acted sooner in implementing a new system? Are football fans losing faith in the 'beautiful' game because of these frustrating decisions? Do you agree with the idea of new technology or would you like to see the game being played in it's traditional format as it always has been?

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Edward Rangsi
Edward Rangsi,
Rejoice! FIFA President Sepp Blatter has approved goal-line technology. FIFA will introduce goal-line technology at the Club World Cup and plan to use it in Brazil at the 2013 Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup, while The Premier League are hoping to have it up and running as early as next season.

Although, Michel Platini is still against the idea, suggesting that this could be a ‘historical mistake’. Is he alone on this occasion?
322 days ago
 
Marc Sibbons
Marc Sibbons,
I was actually at the game Iain and i can honestly say that everyone in the crowd knew that it didn't cross the line. I could see it from sitting at the highest point of the stadium!

The reaction of the Spurs players said it all from me, Sheer disbelief. Like you mentioned, a lot of spectators were very confused as to why the referee didn't properly consult the linesman and other match officials before making a HUGE decision.

That goal changed the game, and created a negative atmosphere amongst the two rival supporters. No wonder they didn't show the highlight of the 'goal' in the stadium! Too often these incorrect decisions have a big significance on games, and the media hype that follows these incidents often takes over the quality of football played in the match.

No doubt about it, Martin Atkinson got it wrong. Yes he admitted to Harry Redknapp after the game that he had made an error, but it's too late.

I personally can't wait for goal line tech to be implemented, it's been far too long coming #disgruntledspursfan
403 days ago
 
Iain Taker
Iain Taker,
Marc,

I must confess I didnt see the incident at the time as was on my way home from a game but listening to the radio the commentators, like most people who saw it, were bemused that not only was the goal given but that Martin Atkinson didnt even go to the linesman. I know that are connected but it would have helped the situation had he gone over and spoken to him.

It is clear that goal line technology will be brought in soon but the reality is that it should not have taken this long to find a system that works. The idea that it should not be implemented as the same equipment etc should be available at all levels of football is farcical. I can only imagine that the delay is in part in ensuring that any system that is used is foolproof (which no system ever is). I think that it is likely that opposed to using video replays FIFA may seek to implement a system that has a warning system in (ie notifies the referee when the ball crosses the line). I do hope that if video replays are ever used that the system does not adopt the rugby system which often asks is there any reason not to give the goal/try as it may lead to a situation where there is not conclusive proof that the ball has not crossed the line but at the same time no conclusive proof it has and the goal would still have to stand (cue more calls to phone in programmes!).

It will be implemented in the next couple of seasons in my opinion but interestingly there is much more support for its implementation in England than in most other football nations globally.
403 days ago
 
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