FORMER referee Errol Sweeney believes the Premier Soccer League should be considering the use of vanishing foam and goal-line technology in its matches.
Irishman Sweeney, a top-level referee in South Africa in the 1980s and 1990s, believes the two new technologies were a huge success introduced at the Fifa World Cup in Brazil.
The "Hanging Judge" wrote in his column on SuperSport.com last week that while goal-line technology (GLT) might be expensive to apply in SA, vanishing foam is relatively cost-effective.
"The vanishing foam stopped players from 'stealing' that extra half a metre at the taking of a free-kick around the penalty area while at the same time it prevented the defensive wall from creeping forward those vital centimetres towards the ball," Sweeney wrote.
"I would be a big fan of the use of these particular aides to help the referees control the game. They [vanishing foam and GLT] have their critics and I am conscious of this. However, from a referee's perspective it is a great help.
"All the detractors and critics who thought it would slow the game down... have been proved wrong.
"The cost of vanishing foam is in the region of $10 [about R105] per canister and probably less if it was to bought in large quantities.
"Certainly the cost of GLT might prove an obstacle. However, I feel Fifa or the continental bodies should come to the party and ensure all premier league teams at the very least have it available."
PSL told to keep up with times
FORMER referee Errol Sweeney believes the Premier Soccer League should be considering the use of vanishing foam and goal-line technology in its matches.
Irishman Sweeney, a top-level referee in South Africa in the 1980s and 1990s, believes the two new technologies were a huge success introduced at the Fifa World Cup in Brazil.
The "Hanging Judge" wrote in his column on SuperSport.com last week that while goal-line technology (GLT) might be expensive to apply in SA, vanishing foam is relatively cost-effective.
"The vanishing foam stopped players from 'stealing' that extra half a metre at the taking of a free-kick around the penalty area while at the same time it prevented the defensive wall from creeping forward those vital centimetres towards the ball," Sweeney wrote.
"I would be a big fan of the use of these particular aides to help the referees control the game. They [vanishing foam and GLT] have their critics and I am conscious of this. However, from a referee's perspective it is a great help.
"All the detractors and critics who thought it would slow the game down... have been proved wrong.
"The cost of vanishing foam is in the region of $10 [about R105] per canister and probably less if it was to bought in large quantities.
"Certainly the cost of GLT might prove an obstacle. However, I feel Fifa or the continental bodies should come to the party and ensure all premier league teams at the very least have it available."
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos