McAteer calls for more officials
Former Republic of Ireland international Jason McAteer believes France’s controversial extra-time goal last night has proved that additional officials behind each goal are needed.
Thierry Henry has admitted he handled the ball in the led-up to the William Gallas equaliser that ultimately sealed France’s place in next summer’s World Cup finals.
Referee Martin Hansson did not, however, spot the infringement amongst a clutch of players in the area and McAteer believes the right decision would have been made if an addition official was stationed behind the goal.
“Yes, of course it would have done. The fourth official behind the goal would have seen the handball,” McAteer told Sky Sports News.
“That would have solved the problem. There’s always going to be human error but the referee’s do need assistance. There’s diving that we are talking about at the minute, I think another referee behind the goal is a good idea.”
UEFA have this season trialled the use of additional referees behind the goal in the Europa League, which has received a mixed reaction from players and managers.
The calls for video technology also continue for key decisions, however, McAteer is unsure whether that would aid the game.
“The problem is that the governing bodies in football are trying to speed up the game with the backpass rule for instance coming into play,” McAteer added.
“If you bring too much technology in to it then it will slow it down which is what they don’t want. I think last night from the player’s reaction, Shay Given’s reaction, you could see straight away something was wrong.
“It wouldn’t take long for the referee to consult his linesman for 10-15 seconds. If it took only 10-15 seconds that wouldn’t harm the game. But if you bring cameras into goals and you have to stop, go into a camera room then it’s going to slow things down too much.”
Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen, meanwhile, has waded in on the Republic's behalf, branding Henry a cheat.
“Henry is saying he is an honest guy but to get away with murder like that you can’t justify it,” said the Dane.
“I’m not even going to hold back. He didn’t do it on purpose...blah blah blah - he put it down to his right foot.
“He didn’t do it on purpose? My ’beep’. I won’t say the words cheats – but I said it (on this occasion).”
Jensen said he felt sorry for the Republic but admitted the price of getting to a World Cup meant players would do almost anything to book a place to South Africa.
“I feel sad for the Irish because they deserved to go through,” added the keeper. “That is the worst France team I have seen in a long time. Over the two legs Ireland were the best by a mile.
“There has to be fair play but there was a lot at stake. What can you do? Fine them? There is [a place at] the World Cup finals at stake.”
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