Expect to see video referees used at next year’s World Cup, that’s all we’re saying.
The new technology, aimed at improving the accuracy of officials’ decisions proved a spectacular success during the latest trial on Tuesday night.
The linesman was unsure of himself as France forward Antoine Griezmann powered a header into the back of the Spanish net at the start of the second half of their international friendly.
Detractors of the proposed new technology suggested that consulting video assistants for clarification on calls would slow down the game but that argument was disproven as Griezmann had barely returned to his own half before confirmation came from the video referee that the goal should be disallowed.
🎥An example of how video assistant refs could be used going forward…
Griezmann scores but the video ref rules it out for offside: pic.twitter.com/r0IswV6EyI
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 28, 2017
As noted by the ITV commentary team, referees are able to consult with their video assistants about goals, penalty calls, scenarios in which red cards may be required and for clarity on a player’s identity.
Upon closer examination, it became clear that a French player was stood in an offside position when the initial ball was played into the box and Griezmann’s goal was chalked off.
It was the correct call.
It was quick.
And it’s looking like something we’re all going to have to get used to moving forward.
The experts loved it.
Video assistant used for the first time, 10 second turn around, correct decision!
BRILLIANT!! #VideoRef
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) March 28, 2017
Goal disallowed in #FRAESP video technology sorted it out in 10 seconds!
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) March 28, 2017
And people said video ref’s would take too long to make a decision. The real question is why did it take so long for this to happen?
— Andrew Gaffney (@GaffneyVLC) March 28, 2017
The fans were impressed.
Video ref decision was correct and didn't take long! I love that.
— Ryan Sidle (@Sidler28) March 28, 2017
First time the video ref comes into football and it works perfectly! Love it! #FRAESP
— Chris Pearson (@cjlpearson) March 28, 2017
A perfect example of how a video ref works perfectly right there. An absolute no brainer decision FIFA! #FRAESP
— Brian Hogan (@brianhogan92) March 28, 2017
Took the video ref 10 seconds to make that decision! BRILLIANT for the future of football! 👏🏼👏🏼
— Broomy🏴 (@broom1904) March 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/TJ_QPR/status/846816806400655361
Video ref making correct decision for griezman offside goal. About time and should be brought in for all leagues.
— E Blizzard (@E_Blizzard1) March 28, 2017
While punters who had bet on Antoine Griezmann to score first were left cursing the new technology.
Fuck the video ref in the France v Spain game, needed that goal for a bet 🙁 Bring back human error
— David Anthony Bourke (@dabourke1) March 28, 2017
video ref all good n that but i had griezmann first goalscorer so fuck off
— tom (@tmatt_98) March 28, 2017
"We were JUST FINE without the video ref. Why fix what isn't broken???" – Every Griezmann backer right now.
— 888sport (@888sport) March 28, 2017
