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."