Ref backs push for goal-line video technology

Top British referee Mark Halsey has re-ignited the debate for video technology to be introduced when there is doubt about whether the ball has crossed the line.

Halsey was the fourth official when Pedro Mendes' “goal” for Tottenham against Manchester United was not given.

Goalkeeper Roy Carroll spooned the ball back when it was clearly over the line and referee Mark Clattenburg allowed play to continue.

United escaped with a point and Halsey said: “When you are in the dug out, there is a monitor.

“I knew it was a goal straight away but I couldn’t intervene. I’ve got no power to do so in situations like that.

“It was a major decision and unfortunately it wasn’t seen by the match officials.

“It could cost Tottenham a place in the Champions League or the UEFA Cup.”

Halsey however refused to condemn Clattenburg and his assistants.

“They didn’t really have a chance,” he remarked in his column in the Bolton matchday programme.

“From where the shot was and where the assistant referee was (he was in the correct position) he couldn’t run faster than the ball. Nobody can.

“He was 30 yards away from the goal-line and you have to be in line with the goal-line to award a decision like that.

“I am in favour of technology in this instance to decide whether it was or wasn’t a goal – not for anything else but just for this sort of thing.”