Football News: Goal line technology is not always a good thing

Following the weekend's game, where Crystal Palace had an early potential goal against Everton ruled out as not crossing the line, thanks to the goal decision system, I was wondering if it has really worked out as expected.

I mean yes, it did make a decision clear and stopped the arguments. The problem is that it has stopped the arguments. I know that is a strange thing to say, that the good thing is also the bad thing about the GDS (my daughter will be shocked to see me use a shorthand, as I moan about her using them in texts to me!), but it does seem to be that way.

It is great to finally put a stop to the 'was it over the line' arguments, they were silly and it made sense, especially at this level, to close the argument and be certain the decision made is the right one. These things could make the difference between relegation and staying up or winning the league and finishing second, so it is vital to get them right.

Having said that, it does remove a talking point from the game. Now we have no longer got any reason to argue whether or not it was over the line, as we know for sure it was cleared before crossing. It is not much of a talking point any more, which is a worry.

Imagine the 1966 World Cup without the shot that may or may not have crossed the line, would it still hold the same mystique? Possibly, as it is the one and only chance of England ever winning anything, but I do think it would have been lessened in impact.

Part of the appeal is annoying the Germans by mentioning that goal, that has made it a sore point for them, which keeps it relevant, almost, to this day. Is having goal line technology going to rob that debate from future generations of football fans? Is it making the game too clinical?

Written by Tris Burke February 02 2015 13:27:50