GRAHAM POLL'S VERDICT
Hallelujah! That was my first reaction to the news that professional clubs are being asked their opinions on the introduction of technology prior to a meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in March.
When refereeing at the top level I was opposed to a wide-ranging introduction and indeed the yielding of match control to a video official or allowing managers a number of appeals against decisions.
Both could seriously undermine the credibility and authority of the man in the middle and yield them virtually redundant.
However, times have changed massively since 2007. The modern-day game is much faster and players dive and simulate far more often, which has made most referees change their approach to one which minimises penalising foul play.
Decisions are examined almost forensically and no mistake is left unexposed.
At least commentators and pundits acknowledge that at full speed and with only one view some decisions are tough to get right.
Naturally, this news does not mean technology will be introduced any time soon — but at least it appears to be on the agenda.
If nothing else let's just hope that IFAB allow a number of experiments in different leagues around the world as only then will we see which, if any, actually improve the game we love.
Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini being away from the helm might help as they both appeared opposed to the introduction of any technology.
THE FA QUESTIONNAIRE SENT TO PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS
1 With regard to key match decisions that could be reviewed, which of the following do you believe should be reviewed using technology?
a) Yellow cards
b) Red cards
c) Red card offences seen but not detected by the referee
d) Penalty area incidents that may result in a penalty
e) Offences that take place close to the penalty area
f) Goals scored with possible offside or foul play in the build-up to a goal
g) Unseen incidents such as violent conduct
h) Second yellow cards
i) Tackles that may have resulted in a second yellow card but where the referee took no further action
j) Offside offences that immediately result in a goal
k) Mistaken identity
POLL'S verdict: Review any red card offences (seen or missed by the active officials) as well as goals and penalties.
2 Are there any other key match decisions you think should be included?
POLL'S verdict: No others.
3 When should the review take place?
a) Only when play has been stopped by the referee and he wishes to review an incident?
b) Only when play has been stopped by the referee and the 'remote referee' (match officials with access to multiple angles on instant replay) advises the referee to review an incident?
c) Only when play has been stopped and the team manager wishes to 'challenge' a decision?
d) By the referee stopping play when he is uncertain of a decision to review it?
e) The 'remote referee' intervening if he believes the referee has made a mistake and asking him to stop play?
f) By the team manager requesting to stop play to challenge a decision?
POLL'S verdict: Reviews should take place when the pitch referee requests one.
4 What length of time is appropriate to stop the game to review a decision or for the remote referee to review a decision before advising the referee to stop the game?
a) 15 seconds
b) 30 seconds
c) 45 seconds
d) Less than 2 minutes
e) As long as it takes
POLL'S verdict: Reviews that cannot clarify a decision within 30 seconds should result in the referee's original decision being upheld.
5 If a referee has to review a decision it is likely that until technology has advanced he will have to use a pitch-side monitor. This will impact on the length of stoppage. Where should this review take place?
a) In the technical area?
b) In a pitchside location which is public?
c) In a pitchside location which is private?
POLL'S verdict: The review should be done by the video official who is in a private booth. The video official needs to be a former referee who the pitch referee trusts and works with on a consistent basis.
6 Who should make the final decision after reviewing a replay of the incident?
a) Match referee
b) Another referee in remote location communicating directly with the referee c) Other
POLL'S verdict: The video official in a private booth.
7 Football decisions can be very subjective. In the event that the video review is inconclusive how should the final decision be made?
a) The referee's initial decision stands
b) The referee decides having reviewed the footage
c) The remote referee's decision stands
POLL'S verdict: If the video evidence is still inconclusive the original decision must stand. This ensures that the referee has to still take decisions and unless clearly mistaken is supported to remain credible.
8 Do you believe that video technology should be used to aid match officials' decision-making in the following games?
a) Premier League
b) Championship
c) League One and Two
d) FA Cup
POLL'S verdict: Technology can assist all levels of football but can only practically be introduced where multi-camera coverage exists.
, so I dont think it would be much worse.
