Saturday November 21, 2009
Fergie backs calls for video after Henry handball row
MANCHESTER: Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson admits he would like to see video technology used to clear up controversial decisions — but cannot see the sport’s governing bodies adopting any new schemes in the near future.
The issue over whether football should embrace the technology available was reignited on Wednesday night when France’s Thierry Henry used his hand to control the ball before crossing for William Gallas to score the goal that ended Ireland’s chances of going to the World Cup.
There have been calls for the match to be replayed while others believe referees need to be able to rely on video evidence to ensure they get such key decisions right.
It is a point Ferguson agrees with. But the Scot fears that all discussion on the issue is futile because world football’s governing body, FIFA, are simply not interested in revolutionising the role of the referee.
He said: “The stance is that they prefer human decision-making rather than technology decision-making and until they change their mind there is nothing you can do about it — you have to convince them, nobody else.
“It is not a matter of asking every player and manager in the world their opinion because they will all share the same one, as I do myself, that technology can play a part and can help referees in a situation like the other night.”
Gallas’ goal sent France to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with a 2-1 aggregate victory while Ireland have been left counting the cost of some extreme misfortune.
Ferguson added: “My thoughts were with (Ireland coach) Giovanni Trapattoni. He prepared a team that put in an absolutely magnificent performance. You couldn’t ask for better from a coach but it was taken away from him.
“It happens and it’s denied a couple of our players the great experience of playing in the World Cup Finals and you’ll never get a better experience than that.” — AFP
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