So once again the screaming from the rooftops around the footballing world for more technology has resumed. And who could blame them, considering some diabiocal decisions by so-called professional referees and linesmen.
The madness all started in the Malaga/Borussia Dortmund Champions League quarter final 2nd leg game. It was a massively important fixture meaning everything to both sides, yet it wasn’t just the players who figured into the result – the referees played a huge part in the final result. The first faux pas occurred on the second Malaga, which was a mile offside. But was the decision going to change the outcome? Well, yes and no.
After Dortmund leveled in the 91st minute, the referees figured again in a big way, allowing a Dortmund goal that was just so far offside it seems comical. Four days later I am still not quite sure how the officials got it so wrong. No adjective or superlative can to do justice to just how poor the third and winning goal decision really was. The officials incredibly ripped Malaga’s heart out with the decision, as that was the strike that saw Dortmund through to face Real Madrid in the semi-final.
Next up was the crucial English Premiership game, Arsenal vs. Norwich. With the Canaries leading through a Michael Turner header in the 56th minute, the shock looked on the cards, but the officials changed the course of the game. In the 85th minute as the ball came into the box, the assistant referee spotted a shirt tug on Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud by Ex-MLS player Kei Kamara. Doesn’t sound too unsual, does it? But the amazing thing was the referee was 10yards away but didn’t give it. It was the linesman over 40yards away who gave the call. It a penalty Arteta made good.
The simple answer is yes, if the Ref had pointed to the spot then there’s no controversial decision. It wasn’t that the call was bad, because I’ve seen much worse called, rather it’s who made it. So yet another strange decision in a week of plenty.
So now back to the beginning. Technology has a time and place. I agree with bringing in goal line technology to show if a ball crosses the line. It would take 10 to 20seconds to sort out, and would allow fair goals to be given. We will all remember Frank Lampard’s strike in the England/Germany World Cup QF match, right? Take a few second and the course of the World Cup might have changed. The list goes on and on, and affects all teams in all countries because we can’t stop human error.
But Technology for anything other than for confirming goals I would have to disagree with, despite this week’s CL match discussed above. Handballs, bad tackles or anything other than if the ball crosses the line should be decided by the officials. The game cannot be stopped every 30seconds. This isn’t American football that has constant natural breaks in the play. I’m sure many will disagree, but we cannot change integral parts of the world’s greatest game that has always been about decisions, choices and lady luck – this is part of what makes it such a special game for billions across the globe. I personally will welcome goaline technology with open arms, but a line is drawn in the sand.
Feel free to comment on any of these below, or join thousands of footy fans as they discuss the beautiful game at r/football.
Don’t forget to follow our footy team – @TonyNYGooner and @TwoLeftCleats. And while you’re at it, give the site a follow – @lastwordonsport.
Interested in writing for LastWordOnSports? Visit our “Join Our Team” page to learn how!
photo credit: article.wn.com, CC
