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Nolan calls for introduction of video technology

March 11, 2008

Bolton Wanderers captain Kevin Nolan has become the latest top flight footballer to publicly advocate the need for video technology to be introduced to the game.

The Trotters have been on the receiving end of some very contentious decisions over the last few weeks against European hopefuls Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth.

The notion that technology needs to be introduced within the game was furthered last weekend after Manchester United’s treble dreams came to an abrupt end when referee Martin Atkinson refused to award a penalty against Sylvain Distin for his challenge on Ronaldo.

Whilst Nolan believes that referees are doing the job to the best of their ability and fitness, he comments that they need some help other than their two assistants. This is where he feels video technology would benefit the game – particularly in terms of match changing decisions such as penalty decisions.

The Wanderers skipper also believes that assistant referees should have some of their powers removed to accommodate the introduction of video technology. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Nolan states –

“To be honest, I really feel the assistant refs should just go back to running the line, doing throws and offsides. That way you don’t have three brains trying to work as one… In my view, assistant referees shouldn’t even give penalties.”

Winning is Everything sees Nolan’s point, and in many ways agrees, but the question has always been where to draw the line with technological advances. What decisions should be aided with these and which should be left to the referees discretion?

The problem with football is that there are very few natural breaks within the passage of play and thus technology may serve only to devalue the game rather than improve it.

For example, much has been said about goal line technology which can determine whether a ball as crossed the line – how would this work though if the ball isn’t immediately put out of play or the game suspended whilst the decision is made. Following this how would the game be restarted if the ball did not cross the line?

People have suggested that video refs would only be consulted at the next logical opportunity within the pattern of the game ie a foul or the ball going out of play. But this could turn the game into a farse – imagine the situation if Team A have a case where the ball “may” have crossed the line and the video ref is ready to interject – but Team B go straight down the pitch and score themselves!

Team A would have to claim the goal if the ball crossed the line but all this is daft and despite the good intentions would render the game almost unplayable within a 90 minute (or even 100 minute) timescale.

In theory introducing technology to the game is a valid one but in practice it will surely never work.

Besides, I thought football was meant to be about berating the referee with a pint or two after the game?

Please let us know your comments on this issue as it is sure to rear its head again in the near future!

Written by The Pieman · Filed Under Bolton, Premiership 


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