Time For Officials To Be Helped By Technology

While football is a relatively simple game, there continues to be arguments over decisions that can change the course of a game. We still rely on human interpretation of events that can be over in a blink of an eye. As technology improves every day, is it not about time football caught up with the 21st Century and introduced some help for the hard-pressed referees and assistants? SPL sponsors Clydesdale Bank commissioned a poll to see just what the fans views were on the technology issue. The results were not so surprising as they wanted to see technology used to improve the game north of the border. Almost 1,000 supporters took part in the survey which took place between August and October last year. Fans were asked for their views on a range of topics and the key results included 80% backing the use of video replays during games, 88% supporting the idea of 'miking' referees and 84% favouring the use of goal-line technology. The technology is already being used as SPL referees are currently 'miked' for communications between the four officials in charge of the game.

Former footballer and Setanta co-commentator Scott Booth said: "The pace at which modern day football is played makes the job of the officials an increasingly difficult one. Getting a major decision wrong can have disastrous consequences for a club. If technology can help minimise this risk then we should make steps in that direction."