FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS HAVE HAD ENOUGH AND WANT VIDEO REFEREES
Nearly 90% of English supporters argue that football ‘needs video referees’, to ensure that officials avoid mistakes such as the recent ‘goal that never was’ scored by Reading against Watford that contributed to the eventual draw.
In a clear message to the Football Association and Premier League bosses that fans have had enough, an influential football fans website, WheresTheMatch.com has revealed the results of a survey into the use of "video refs" in football matches across 1,528 of its users and a resounding 89% believe the introduction of the new technology would improve the quality of the game.
When asked "would the implementation of a TMO (Television Match Official) slow down the game unnecessarily?" 19% answered 'yes' and 81% answered 'no', believing the benefits to outweigh the time taken consulting the video referee.
The (rugby league) Super League has recently trialled video referees at games other than those that are televised, which Rugby Football League spokesman Stuart Cummings said “helped with a number of key decisions", despite being a “move which would cost a six-figure sum each year".
64% of fans believe that football is being left behind by advancements in other sports.
Wes Lewis, co-founder of WheresTheMatch.com said,
"Football is running the risk of being left behind technologically. Many team sports use a TMO, including rugby union and league, with many supporters arguing that it adds to the tension and ensures informed decisions are made that could have otherwise affected the outcome of the game.
"The recent 'goal that never was', by Reading against Watford proves that the current football system of the referee relying on his assistants for advice does not always mean that justice is served.
"Sports with far less money than football, such as rugby league use TMOs to great effect. It is important to remember that TMOs are not there to slow down play but ensure that both teams have a fair chance at winning.
"How many goals have been scored by players in offside positions? Recently, Dimitar Berbatov scored 2 goals for Manchester United against Celtic in the Champions League, both of which were found to be scored from an offside position upon inspection. If the goals would have gone to the big screen, they would not have been allowed.
"We think the football authorities should listen to the hardened football fans who use our site and take action swiftly, and also look to cherry pick the innovations from other sports that have done well, for example the "3 challenges" rule from tennis; this too could be an option for football managers".
www.WherestheMatch.com offers users a simple, free service from which they can view the television schedule for football, rugby union, rugby league and cricket teams for the next 7 or 31 days, detailing the teams involved, when the sport will be on TV, at what time the match starts, and on which channel they can watch it.