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England’s goal by Frank Lampard was denied in round sixteen against Germany. Hours later, Carlos Tevez scored an irregular goal from an offside position for Argentina against Mexico: Two faulty decisions in the FIFA World Cup have again triggered discussions about goal-line technology.
In an exclusive DFB.de-interview with Thomas Hackbarth, Lutz Michael Fröhlich, DFB-Department Head of current and former FIFA and Bundesliga Referees, talks about the chip in the ball and the Hawkeye system.
DFB.de: Mr. Fröhlich, could you explain to us from a referee’s point of view, how such an error as in the 38th minute in the match between Germany and England can occurr?
Lutz Michael Fröhlich: In the England game, the situation was very difficult for the referee. His assistant is in the offside positions which is correct and even though he is well positioned too, it is something that must be decided in a split second, whether the ball has crossed the line. The assistant referee might have had doubts. Furthermore, the referee didn’t’ have good visibility either, as Germany’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer blocked his view. Hence, it was hardly possible to solve the situation for the referees. This is disappointing for the match officials, as they have shown a very good match performance over all.
DFB.de: FIFA-President Joseph Blatter announced that he is willing to discuss goal-line technology.
Fröhlich: A chip in the ball would have helped decision making on Frank Lampard’s shot that hit the crossbar. If such a system is dependable and functional, it will certainly support the referee’s work. It would also support the perception of the most important decision of the game: “Goal or No goal.” The system with a chip in the ball operates in such a way that it virtually makes the decision.
DFB.de: The German Football Association and its referee commission support the chip. What needs to be done in order to establish goal-line technology?
Fröhlich: The FIFA international board, which is responsible for worldwide football rules, needs to change current laws of the game to allow goal-line technology.
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DFB.de: And what do you think about the Hawkeye system?
Fröhlich: The Hawkeye system would only add another perspective to the game, but not guarantee 100% reliability. Players could somehow affect the camera’s view or the goalkeeper could lie on the ball. Moreover, you will always have to evaluate the camera’s material, which might then not help to clearify the debate.
DFB.de: Is that the general problem of video evidence?
Fröhlich: Even with video evidence, it will still be about the interpretation of rules, if you analyse different camera angles for one game situation. You can come to different conclusions very quickly. For this reason this way of decision making would not necessarily improve decision quality after all. Discussions would remain.
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[bild1]
England’s goal by Frank Lampard was denied in round sixteen against Germany. Hours later, Carlos Tevez scored an irregular goal from an offside position for Argentina against Mexico: Two faulty decisions in the FIFA World Cup have again triggered discussions about goal-line technology.
In an exclusive DFB.de-interview with Thomas Hackbarth, Lutz Michael Fröhlich, DFB-Department Head of current and former FIFA and Bundesliga Referees, talks about the chip in the ball and the Hawkeye system.
DFB.de: Mr. Fröhlich, could you explain to us from a referee’s point of view, how such an error as in the 38th minute in the match between Germany and England can occurr?
Lutz Michael Fröhlich: In the England game, the situation was very difficult for the referee. His assistant is in the offside positions which is correct and even though he is well positioned too, it is something that must be decided in a split second, whether the ball has crossed the line. The assistant referee might have had doubts. Furthermore, the referee didn’t’ have good visibility either, as Germany’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer blocked his view. Hence, it was hardly possible to solve the situation for the referees. This is disappointing for the match officials, as they have shown a very good match performance over all.
DFB.de: FIFA-President Joseph Blatter announced that he is willing to discuss goal-line technology.
Fröhlich: A chip in the ball would have helped decision making on Frank Lampard’s shot that hit the crossbar. If such a system is dependable and functional, it will certainly support the referee’s work. It would also support the perception of the most important decision of the game: “Goal or No goal.” The system with a chip in the ball operates in such a way that it virtually makes the decision.
DFB.de: The German Football Association and its referee commission support the chip. What needs to be done in order to establish goal-line technology?
Fröhlich: The FIFA international board, which is responsible for worldwide football rules, needs to change current laws of the game to allow goal-line technology.
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DFB.de: And what do you think about the Hawkeye system?
Fröhlich: The Hawkeye system would only add another perspective to the game, but not guarantee 100% reliability. Players could somehow affect the camera’s view or the goalkeeper could lie on the ball. Moreover, you will always have to evaluate the camera’s material, which might then not help to clearify the debate.
DFB.de: Is that the general problem of video evidence?
Fröhlich: Even with video evidence, it will still be about the interpretation of rules, if you analyse different camera angles for one game situation. You can come to different conclusions very quickly. For this reason this way of decision making would not necessarily improve decision quality after all. Discussions would remain.
