UEFA set to extend ‘five-referee’ experiment

IT came too late to save the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup dreams but it seems the furore surrounding Thierry Henry’s infamous handball in Paris last November has persuaded UEFA of the need to give referees greater assistance.

UEFA yesterday announced that the five-referee experiment involving extra linesmen behind each goal, which was piloted in the Europa League last season, will be extended to theChampions League and Euro 2012 qualifiers next season.

The system, backed by UEFA president Michel Platini, features two extra linesmen, one behind each goal, to help referees spot penalty area infringements and determine whether the ball has crossed the line.

Had the system been in operation during the World Cup play-offsHenry’s handball in the lead up to William Gallas’ winner that sent France to the World Cup at Ireland’s expense would probably have been spotted given the infringement took place less than a yard from the goalline.

UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino yesterday rejected suggestions that the system was unpopular in last season’s Europa League.

“If the enthusiasm was not there, the IFAB would not have decided to authorise an additional two-yearperiod,” he said.

“We have made this experiment in the Europa League and it went well.

“Something else must be done to help the referees, you add eyes and you help the referee to cover their ground in a much better way.

“First results were positive and we want to do something for the good of football.”

The desire to do something for ‘‘the good of football’’ is commendable but given both UEFA and FIFA remain opposed to the introduction of technology Giovanni Trapattoni and Co may view yesterday’s decision as too little, too late.