Wednesday, September 24, 2008

The goal that wasn't


Does this look like a goal to you? Well to the linesman, sorry, assistant referee saw one and in one of the most bizarre incidients I have ever seen, a goal was awarded to Reading who subsequently took a 1-0 lead against Watford. The match ended 2-2.

I've never understood why, when there is so much at stake, that they don't appoint video referees as this would have solved a lot of problems in the past. One problem I can see is that the authorities feel the game wouldn't be the same as the one represented at grassroots level. If you look at other sports though, this hasn't been a problem. Surely with the millions being spent in the sport a fourth official shouldn't be a problem? As it is, the match has no chance of being replayed because that would surely create many problems with other such disputes in the future. You have to feel sorry for the officials in this case, an obvious howler.