As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Video technology 'in the best interests of the game' says PFA chief Taylor

Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor feels that the implementation of video technology will only help the game, not hinder it.

Yesterday's FA Cup semi-final again raised the issue of goal-line technology when a goal was awarded to Chelsea's Juan Mata when it was cleared off the line by Tottnham defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

Plenty of critics have made their thoughts felt on the topic with Taylor being one of those who is certainly all for video replays to assist match officials.

"The more that it goes on that we don't use technology, the more perverse it's looking for football - being the major spectator game throughout the whole world as well as being the major participant game," he told Sky Sports.

"I don't think the crowd would mind it at all, it's in the best interests of the game and justice will be done. It's so important as to whether a goal is scored, that's the whole object of the game.

"People will say, and (UEFA president, Michel) Platini has said, that's why he wants to use those officials behind the goal and has done so. I don't see that as the way ahead and I don't see that as a job for somebody who wants to be a referee or an assistant referee.

"When you see how successfully it's been used in a game like rugby, league and union, as well as tennis and cricket, it's what the modern sporting spectator expects - in the interests of seeing that justice is done and the right result.

"Controversy is always going to be part of the game, but I think the sooner it comes in the better.

"I know people will say it's the thin edge of a wedge because the next point will be should it be a penalty, has a goal been scored, was it offside or not? That might be a debate for another day, but at least I think we should have that goal-line technology for starters.

"The technology is there and I see no reason why we should waste it any longer."

 The game is about opinions. Make yours heard! Join the tribalfootball.com nation on Facebook today: Facebook.com/tribalfootball

Video of the day:

Andrew Slevison
About the author

Andrew Slevison

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free