After the 1966 World Cup, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II presented Soviet linesman Tofig Bahramov with "the golden whistle" for bravely allowing Geoff Hurst's goal to stand despite the vitriolic spray he copped from the German defenders.
Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda and his linesman are perhaps in the running for the "the golden retriever" after failing to notice that a Frank Lampard shot had bounced a full two feet behind the goal line during last night's England-Germany clash.
Just hours later, Carlos Tevez scored against Mexico after being in an offside position. Somewhat unwisely, the producer in charge of the in-stadium broadcast allowed the replays to be aired on the big screen and showed the Mexican players just how badly they had been ripped off. But this had to be disregarded by the referee - which of course settled things down just beautifully.
Predictably, the calls have come for the use of technology to avoid these types of errors being allowed to stand. Sepp Blatter remains resolute of course, arguing that the human element is part of the game. And for once, I agree with the balding Swiss dwarf.
The introduction of technology in cricket has done nothing aside from allowing players to ignore the fundamental principle of the game - that the umpire's decision is final. In tennis it has simply given those preening spoilt brats and prissy-pants even more opportunity to display their childishness and, whatsmore, it justifies it!
And what about the breaks in play while the fourth official reviews every incident? It has been 44 years since Hurst's goal, and still people disagree about whether it was legitimate. You can't delay a game for nearly four-and-a-half decades!
The wrong calls of the past have become part of the fabric of the game - part of the essence of the World Cup itself. They have provided an inexhaustable wealth of material for journalists to call on and for casual pundits at the pub to debate.
In time, Lampard's "goal" will become just another historical talking point.
And anyway, what are people on about? Sepp Blatter has embraced technology. Look! http://twitter.com/seppblatter
No comments:
Post a Comment