PFA Chief Gordon Taylor Calls For Video Technology After Thierry Henry Handball

Time for technology to ensure justice...

19-Nov-2009 4:48:55 PM

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PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor feels that the time has come to introduce video technology into the game after the Republic of Ireland were cheated out of a place at next summer's World Cup by Thierry Henry's handball.
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France won the World Cup play-off against the Irish 2-1 on aggregate thanks to a goal from William Gallas, but the game has left a nasty taste in the mouths of many after Henry clearly handled the ball in the run-up to the goal.

Taylor thinks that the incident has highlighted more than ever the need for referees to be given a helping hand from technology.

"The time has now come to start using video technology to make sure we get the right decision," he said, according to Press Association Sport.

"For a sport that is so high profile, with so much money and so much prestige at stake, it has to be used.

"You can bring in as many assistant referees behind the goals as you like but, until there is technology, there will continue to be debatable decisions.

"Rugby, tennis, cricket and American sports have all embraced technology and it can actually add to the excitement of a match.

"I think not to use it is burying one's head in sand."

Despite Henry cheating, Taylor refused to condemn him outright though, preferring instead to sympathise with the Irish.

"I'm not going to condemn Thierry Henry, who has made a great contribution to football and has actually admitted it was handball - that's not the point," he added.

"We have to get the decisions right.

"It's just so disappointing for the Irish to have played so well in such difficult circumstances. No player minds losing legitimately - but to lose that way makes my heart go out to them.

"For a game that wants to be at the forefront as a spectator and participant sport, I'm just surprised it has taken so long, particularly now the game is faster than it's ever been."

Zack Wilson

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