Some refs ready to embrace technology - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Some refs ready to embrace technology

30/06/2010 04:36:37 AM Comments (0)

After a FIFA U-turn Tuesday morning, at least one World Cup referee is ready to embrace goal-line technology.

English referee Howard Webb, who officiated last month's Champions League final, said he would be open to technological aid if it helps referees get the calls right.

"I'm open minded about anything that makes us more credible as match officials," Webb said at the latest World Cup referee's open day. "Whatever tools I am given I will use them to the best of my ability, and I will use all the experience I have to try to come to the correct decisions."

Although FIFA president Sepp Blatter said in March that he does not want non-human intervention in football, he apologised to both England and Mexico on Tuesday for refereeing blunders that worked against both teams.

He also announced that there would be a special meeting of the game's rule-making body next month.

"I will just watch this space with interest and see where it goes," Webb said. "We'll see what comes along."

Jose-Maria Garcia-Aranda, FIFA's head of refereeing, wouldn't be drawn into the debate.

"My duty and responsibility is not to talk or discuss about the use of technology," Garcia-Aranda said. "My duty and responsibility - and the referees' responsibility - is to perform as well as possible."

The International Football Association Board has previously considered two options to help referees and linesmen - a ball with a microchip and the camera-based Hawk-Eye replay system used in tennis.

"I've got no personal view," Webb said. "I can't do anything about it because I'm not part of the decision-making process. I have to abide by whatever tool is given to me.

"I'm a strong believer that football in its current form is a wonderful spectacle, a really beautiful game."

England was denied a goal against Germany on Sunday when Frank Lampard's shot bounced off the crossbar and over the goal line. If the goal had been given, England would have equalised to 2-2 in the 38th minute. Germany won the match 4-1.

Later that day, Argentina's first goal in a 3-1 win over Mexico was scored by Carlos Tevez from an offside position but was still allowed by Italian referee Roberto Rosetti.

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