David Elleray Interview

In the last couple of days I have got in touch with David Elleray, an ex-Premiership referee to see what his opinions are on the matter.The full interview can be accessed from the link below but here are the main talking points:

Do you feel that new media technologies associated with resolving controversial decisions should be introduced into football?

In general I am opposed to the use of technology (with one exception) as I believe that one of the essential attractions of football is that, unlike American football, rugby, cricket, there are very few lengthy stoppages and, for much of the time, it is almost non-stop action. Controversy is also part of the ‘enjoyment’ of the game – people love arguing/discussing incidents, decisions etc...

If yes…
How much technology do you feel should be brought into the game (i.e should it just be used just for goal line decisions or applied to resolve offsides, off the ball incidents)

I would be in favour of goal-line technology for ‘goals’ to let the referee know whether or not the ball fully crossed the line as this is a very difficult decision as the referee/assistant referee is sometimes not in the best position to judge (though no fault of his own).

If these technologies were introduced do you feel that the level of audience satisfaction would alter?

IF the above was introduced I think everyone in the game would be happy. If other technologies came in I believe that whilst there might be fewer disputes the game would become less attractive it would last longer and there would be less flow to the game.

Do you have any personal experiences relating to the matter? Could technology have assisted you?

Technology of the goal-line could have assisted me in the FA Cup semi-final between Middlesbrough and Chesterfield when we could not tell if the ball crossed the line for what would have been Chesterfield’s third goal which would have sent them to the Final (they lost the replay)