Chelsea’s home fixture against Tottenham on Saturday sparked arguments once again over a dubious goal given for Frank Lampard. The England international hit a tame shot from 25 yards out that went through Gomes’ legs and almost crossed the line; the goal was however given. Much anger was inflicted on the Spurs players and fans as they insisted the ball hadn’t crossed the line, while the Chelsea players all ran away celebrating their questionable equaliser. This confusion resulted in a lot of controversy, and raises the topic once again over whether goal line technology needs to be introduced into the game.
But who are we to decide what happens in the world of football? We’re merely on lookers with opinions. Opinions however that are all strangely similar, and true. Any true football fan who has a sound knowledge of the game will understand where I’m coming from, mainly Englishmen too. When Lampard’s shot wasn’t given as a goal against Germany in the World Cup, the country was dissatisfied and disgraced. We may have lost 4-1, but had goal line technology been around, and the goal was counted, the score line may have been different. We could have potentially been World Cup Champions. Unrealistic I realise considering Spain and Argentina are easily better than us, but it could have been possible.
It’s used in most other sports. Rugby, cricket and tennis are all examples, and it’s been proven effective through ensuring matches are won in a fair way. So what on earth is so wrong with applying it to football? The day FIFA President Sebb Blatter wakes up and realises goal line technology is the way forward, is the day football is made an improved sport. Reports suggest Blatter has apologised for the lack of technology and insists he wants it for 2014, but no official statement has yet been made, so here’s hoping the current rumours are true.
There are however undoubtedly a few disadvantages to goal line technology should it be introduced. The regular counter arguments include that it will heavily slow down the game, and that it may make football a sport too heavily dependant on technology as a whole. Both of these points are completely valid and I agree, but considering how good technology is now, I’m sure it can be made to be quick and efficient, thus not majorly affecting the flow of the game. As long as referee’s still own the majority of the control I think it’ll be fine, just as long as technology doesn’t become too big a trend. The human aspect of the game must be maintained basically.
Goal line technology is certainly the way forward, and will hopefully be introduced sometime soon. There’ll be less arguments and confrontations over whether one team should or shouldn’t have won, which is good. But one thing to consider also is that a lot of the enjoyable football related banter and commotion comes from bad decisions and opposing opinions, so is that something that we’ll lose should goal line technology be installed in the game? I suppose there’s only one way too find out.