Sepp Blatter = Flat Earth Society

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/st ... s1&cc=5901

FIFA now claims no need for goal-line technology to be integrated into the sport:

"'FIFA are of the opinion that the systems are too complicated and very costly,' he said. 'They would not add anything to the game and would harm the position of the referee. We have to maintain the laws of the game in their simplicity. Do you want technical devices to take these decisions?'"

Well, well, well...everything that FIFA represents in that article regarding goal-line technology is disingenuous. Terrible calls that contribute to relegation cost a club far more than any "Hawkeye" technology. Further, if fairplay is paramount, then how is correcting a wrong call (which is what Hawkeye would do) harming the position of referee? Referees would still be free to screw up other judgment calls all over the pitch, simply not decisions to award / remove goals.

And, yes, I DO WANT TECHNICAL DEVICES MAKING THE DECISIONS!!!!

 

Or AT LEAST a 4th official {demote the one with the roster} in a booth with a DVR.

 

And, it could get another loafer off the dole. It's a win-win, pettyfog.

 

He has got to go!!

Oh..., I thought the topic was "Full Bladder", nevermind... =P

MK

 

Part of the attraction of football is that you can play in the park in the same way as at Old Trafford (with me being Ronaldo).

It raises some questions: Who would have goal-line techonology? Which competitions would you use it in? What happens if there is a replay that clearly shows the goal is scored but a foul happens in the process, do you reveiw the buildup too? How far back do you go?

My opinion... for what it is worth, I like the falibility of refs, I like them getting it wrong, getting stick for it and talking about it at length over a pint. If you get relegated it won't be because of 1 questionable goal-line goal, 300 off side decisions and fouls in the build up will be much bigger factors. I am glad it is not included and am willing to accept the ramifications of getting it wrong. Even if it means relegation.

I rarely agree with Blatter, but on this one I do. But then I don't like replays in Rugby League and Cricket either so maybe I'm just a technophobe.

 

Look, GBFC it would be a different thing if the refs watched tape of their own games and used them to improve.
Look at the takedown in the box last game which resulted in a goal. An obvious foul, there is no way you sweep that leg back behind a defender if you dont mean to take him down.

There WILL be a TV Replay official in the big leagues sooner or later.

 

I'm not arguing against the use of technology, but of the complexity of defining its use. The points at which you say "No, we should get this wrong" become harder to find.

The cost is also a concern, the EPL should be able to implement it, so too should the top clubs in the Championship, but what happens to teams like Luton and Leeds who have gone into administration, do we relegate them or refuse to promote them because they do not have the equipment in place?

Each time I start off thinking "good idea" and each time I talk myself out of it with the same argument that I cannot find a suitable point to draw a distinction between actions.

So, the reason I am against goal-line technology is it provides a small set of the errors that blight the game and that tackling the larger errors requires fundamental changes to the way we police the game.

To provide a large coverage of technologically backed decisions you will need to use replays and you would need to be able to clearly define passages of play so that we know where a replay starts and end.

I can hear now Furguson's voice "it was never a goal, there was clearly a foul on blah blah blah blah minutes before the goal was scored. This referee is a blah blah blah!"

How do you deal with off-side decisions? Cameras locked at 90 degrees on trollies that keep up with the last man? Run them along the stand roof?

Everytime you accept a peice of technology the argument for accepting the next becomes more compelling and more fraught with difficaulties.

So I will seek imperfection.

 

'Fog, sorry, I forgot to agree that improving refereeing standards it a good idea and for me the way to go. In cricket 90% of the umpires are ex-players who understand the game and have played it at a high level.

 

GUYS!!! RELAX!!! Didn't you see my earlier post??? Nobody pays attention to me...this whole thread could have been avoided:

Posted: Feb. 27, 2008 - 05:39 PM


Did everyone hear or see the news?!?!?!

...Sepp Blatter just stepped down as FIFA president and was replaced by Helen Keller.

Finally, things will get done around that office.

She will fix the goalline problems...or at least do a better job than the officials now...