So far, so still unsure. UEFA have brought the experiment of six referees to the Champions League, after a year with its little brother. The Additional Assistant Referees (AARs), if anybody didn’t know, patrol the line between the goalkeeper’s right post and the corner flag. They cannot actually give decisions, but can aid the referee in decisions, most probably concerning the goal line, fouls in the box at set-pieces, and simulation. After the Champions League, the next logical step is the domestic game, and thus, the Premier League.
Last year a review by the League Managers Association (LMA), including notable contributions form David Moyes and Roy Hodgson, concluded that there is still much work to be done regarding the system and how it operates. Their concerns, among other things, included:
1. AARs should not be considered as an alternative to technology.
2. Managers, coaches, players and referees should all be consulted regarding any decision-making.
3. AARs should be encouraged to contribute more to the running of the game.
The last point is the key one for me. The referee will always have the final decision, and that is the way it should remain. I agree with the point that, if the AARs are going to be there then they should provide an active role. The tendency so far, is for them to stay rather anonymous, so as not to cause any negative press of highlight any flaws. But the flipside is too much interference, and as I said, the referee should remain in charge of the game.
With a season under its belt in the Europa League, and now being trialled in the biggest club competition in the world, there is time for the Premier League to assess the pros and cons of the initiative. The scheme is on the biggest stage possible; the only reason it wasn’t used at last summer’s World Cup was intervention from Sepp Blatter, and so it falls under Michel Platini and UEFA’s remit, but not FIFA’s. If there still issues to be nutted out, they will be under the gaze of the world; and I’m sure Graeme Souness et al to argue on Sky Sports European nights.
I can’t see the logic in not trying the system out in the Premier League. If this is the direction that UEFA are taking, then it worth keeping up. Having two extra pairs of eyes must surely help the referee, especially considering it is still he that makes the final decision. I also agree however, that this should not be introduced instead of technology. The system, and uses of technology are a far longer issue to try and comprehend, but I can’t see why goal line technology can’t be the first to dip its toe in the game’s water. The AARs would have very good views of goal line incidents, but there may be players in the way, and there is still room for human error (I don’t buy the notion the game needs things to go wrong so ‘we can talk about it in the pub’. The game has got plenty going on, and always will – taking out wrong decisions does not render the game boring).
As a beacon in domestic football, the Premier League should be seen to advance the game as much as possible. Any chance it has of improving football, should be certainly considered, and in this situation, potentially trialled. If the PL gives it a go, and it either doesn’t work, or even doesn’t improve the refereeing decisions made, then it can be dropped. There is nothing wrong with attempting to improve the game as long as it is done in a considerate manner, and with the backing of those involved.
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