In football, officials have a tough, under-appreciated yet vital position. They have to keep the players in control, catch off-sides, spot dives all while keeping their own emotions unbiased and under control for 90 minutes. If they complete their jobs efficiently, no one notices. If even a single mistake is made, it can potentially change the complexion of the match, leading to endless criticism for the officials. Players try to influence referees, often successfully, into giving penalties or red cards that single-handedly change the match’s outcome.
The recent derby between Arsenal and Chelsea saw an ugly example of the above through Diego Costa, who first slapped Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny, pushed him to the ground and finally partook in fisticuffs with Gabriel. Any of these actions merited a sending-off. Yet Diego Costa only got a yellow card while Gabriel got sent off. His actions were despicable. Despite them being unfitting of a Premier League player, Costa went unpunished because the referee did not see the altercation. Incidents like these are becoming increasingly common in the game. The referees need help.
According to me, football needs to start using technology, which has already had a massive impact. An example is the impact goal-line technology, which was introduced after officials missed Frank Lampard’s obvious equalizer for England against Germany in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The match was evenly poised when Lampard’s shot hit the post, bounced inside and only then booted clear.
Yet 3 officials missed that, consequently impacting the game, which ended in a 4-1 win for Germany. Notably, the score was just 1-0 at the time of the incident. Goal-line technology has reduced the number of mistakes. Similar technology can make football matches fair by reviewing decisions via the fourth referee. It can stop cheats like Diego Costa from behaving like schoolyard bullies.
However, an important pointed to be noted is that such technology must never replace referees, but instead aid them. Human have a great advantage over machines; after all, they can read feelings of the players and the flow of the game. Football is the game of passion. Let us hope FIFA introduces replay technology and improves the beautiful game.