Blatter: Goal-line technology ‘necessity’

WARSAW - The Associated Press

Terry (C) saves a shot by Marko Devic during a Euro 2012 Group D game. EPA Photo

The most powerful man in football called goal-line technology a “necessity” yesterday, only hours after Ukraine was denied what appeared to be a legitimate goal in its must-win match against England at the European Championship.

“After last night’s match GLT is no longer an alternative but a necessity,” FIFA President Sepp Blatter wrote on Twitter.

Marko Devic’s shot in the 62nd minute of Tuesday’s match looped up off England goalkeeper Joe Hart and appeared to cross the goal line before it was cleared by defender John Terry. The official standing near the post didn’t signal for a goal, leaving the referee no option but to play on.

If the goal had been awarded, Ukraine would have pulled even at 1-1. But the co-hosts instead lost 1-0, a result that eliminated them from the tournament.

Ukraine’s players complained furiously, coach Oleg Blokhin raged on the touchline and Twitter was quickly awash with indignation, reaction and opinion on goal-line technology.

The high-profile incident added to the momentum behind providing referees with high-tech aids to make accurate decisions.

Five-official system in progress

UEFA is using Euro 2012 to trial the five-official system that features a referee, two linesmen and two additional assistants beside the goal. It’s UEFA President Michel Platini’s preferred alternative to goal-line technology.

FIFA will decide on July 5 whether to approve the five-official system and either of the two goal-line technology systems currently being tested in England and Denmark.

Speaking at a media briefing in Warsaw on Monday, Platini said he expects goal-line technology to be approved at the IFAB meeting.

“Yes, Blatter will do it,” Platini said. “He will (introduce) the technology, but I think it’s a big mistake. ... it’s the beginning of the technology, the arrival of the technology.”

Platini said Monday that if an official had been beside the goal that day, he would have spotted that Lampard’s shot crossed the line.
“Of course, because it’s his job to see if the ball is inside the line,” Platini said.
Two days later, those words are coming back to haunt him.