Houllier and Dein united on video technology

By Andrew Warshaw in Johannesburg

December 1 – Two of world football’s most respected statesmen have called for the immediate introduction of goal line technology as a result of the infamous Thierry Henry handball that is showing no sign of being taken off the game’s agenda.

Gerard Houllier and David Dein were both on a Soccerex panel here today and while they did not agree about every subject - not least whether to ban the transfer of under-18 players - on one subject they were united.

Video replays showed Henry handled the ball twice before setting up William Gallas’s goal that sent France to the finals at Ireland’s expense in a play-off last month.

Houllier, now technical director of the French FA, believes Henry’s and France’s reputation would have remained in tact had the fourth official been equipped with a monitor.

“I am very much in favor of goal line technology but I have mixed feelings about video technology in general,” said Houllier.

“But with the Thierry Henry handball as an example, the fourth official should have a monitor.

“It would have saved Thierry a lot of abuse.

“Half of France thinks we should not be going to the World Cup.

“We could have been spared those sentiments if the fourth official had a monitor.”

Houllier also believes FIFA should embrace the concept of two extra officials - currently being used as an experiment in the Europa Cup - in time for the World Cup.

“You do have a lot of problems in the penalty area, and it would help if there were two extra men behind the goal to help the referee. FIFA should consider this,” he said.

Houllier acknowledges that smaller nations would not be able to avoid new innovations but still believes that on balance a law change has to take place.

“I am very reluctant to have video technology other than the goal line, because you can’t have 26 cameras at a game in, say, the Faroe Islands.

“I don’t even think having goal line technology and five referees will reduce the uncertainty in the game.

“But it will definitely reduce the chance of injustice.”

Dein (pictured) was even more forthright.

“Every referee in the Premier League agrees,” said Dein.

“The time has come not to be frightened of technology but to embrace it.

“The camera will always beat the eye.

“Technology is in tennis, rugby and cricket.

“There is a feeling that once you introduce it in football it will not end there and creep into anything else in the penalty box.

“But let’s not put the shutters up now.

“Get goal line technology in place now.”

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