Manchester United Manager Backs Arsene Wenger's Call For Video Technology
Ferguson wants video help for referees...
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger also feels it is time that pressure on referees was reduced by allowing them to use 'video evidence.'
His United counterpart agrees that too much is at stake nowadays for technology not to be used.
"It will never be solved unless the people who run the game change their minds," Ferguson told reporters at his Friday press conference.
"It is not a matter of going round every player and coach in the world and asking their opinion because you would probably get the same one.
"We all think, as I do myself, that technology can play a part. It can help referees.
"But the stance is that they prefer human decision making. Until that changes, there is nothing you can do about it."
Ferguson feels that the game between France and the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday night has brought the issue into sharper focus after the Irish lost the game thanks to a Thierry Henry handball.
"My thoughts were for [Ireland manager Giovanni] Trapattoni," he added.
"He has prepared a team magnificently. It was a fantastic performance by them. He could not have asked for better.
"Then it was taken away from him.
"It happens. It has denied a couple of our players (John O'Shea and Darron Gibson) that great experience of playing in a World Cup finals. You can't get a better experience than that.
"But two weeks ago, Didier Drogba pulled down Wes Brown. There is not the same hullabaloo, which is quite right because this was a major incident.
"Ireland can't recover. But does the other incident cost Manchester United the league? It could very well. That is how important decision making can be.
"Look at American football and the time they take with debatable decisions," said Ferguson.
"It might take three or four minutes, which allows the coach to talk to his players.
"I realise the fans are used to spending all day at the ground.
"The argument here is that football is a winter game and it would take too long for the referee to go across to a monitor.
"But sometimes a goalkeeper takes a minute to take a goal kick. The amount of (actual playing) time in a game of football is normally 65 minutes.
"It would only take a minute or so for the referee to walk across to a monitor - and he can be assisted by his assistants."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK
Hosted by Stephen Crawford & Adam Scime
We've had two tremendous matches today, so lets hope the intensity keeps up in the next clashes!
Until next time, this is LIVE commentator Stephen Crawford signing off.
From everyone here at Goal.com, thanks for joining us!
Here's the thoughts of Benfica coach Jorge Jesus, who felt his side deserved a point from the game.
"They were the better team on the night and that's the story of the day.
"We have to keep fighting, pick ourselves up, get the confidence back and challenge in the other competitions and in the second leg of this tie too.
"They punished us on every occasion; they scored some quality goals and they deserved to win."
Full story HERE
“The score made it look like it was an easy game, but it certainly wasn't.
(Strange... it looked pretty easy from where I was sitting, but hey.)
“I do not think it's over yet. I remember a clash between Milan and Deportivo la Coruna when Milan was also ahead by four goals, and in the end Deportivo eliminated Milan.
“I went into the Arsenal dressing room after the match to speak to Robin van Persie. I had agreed with him to swap shirts – my sons are big fans of his and he brought two for them. They will be delighted.
Van Bommel went on to talk about a possible move to PSV in the future, but was quick to point out his terms for the move.
“I've spoken with PSV, but we don't have an agreement yet. The club has to decide what they want.
“If Louis van Gaal turns out to be the new coach, I won't go.”
"Tonight everything went in the right direction and we did a very good match. You don't start a match thinking to win 4-0, but at the end i think we deserved it coz we played very well."
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