Caught on camera?

by Colin B Robertson

Cheating in football has for years always caused great controversy, in light of the recent events which saw Ireland miss qualification to the World Cup, Colin B Robertson checks up on the state of play.

Ireland won't be going to the World Cup. Thierry Henry, Nicholas Anelka and the rest of the French football team will.

So too may Swedish referee, Martin Hansson. "Its hardly fair" said the Irish; Martin Hansson missed a handball, but Thierry Henry definitely didn't. 

Thierry Henry said: "Naturally I feel embarrassed about the way in which we have won." The Irish commended him, but they wanted the game replayed.

They however may have had far less to say, if Georgia had called them to replay the qualification match in which they levelled through a penalty from an auspicious handball decision, late on at Croke Park.

Perhaps, Irish ex-footballer, Roy Keane, was straight talking, when he rubbished the calls for a replay, rather than angry, bitter or furious as many of the media suggested.

He said of the penalty against Georgia: "It was one of the worst decisions I've ever seen.. I don't remember the FAI after the game saying we should give them a replay."

On the Henry incident he commented: "I'd focus on why they didn't clear it... How can you let the ball bounce in your six-yard box?.. If the ball goes into the six-yard box, where the hell is my goalkeeper?"..Then again, he may have been angry.

The week after the events, every man and his dog has had something to say about the matter, pointing the finger of blame toward Henry, Hansson, the French Football Federation and FIFA; Roy Keane even pointing back towards the FAI, and a far bigger picture emerged. Amongst our morale righteousness, we find no justice, certainly not in football, the contradictions have been piling up for years.

Hand of God

The game contradicts itself. Who will forget 'the hand of God', when Diego Maradona's handball helped Argentina to equalise against England in 1986.

Then England manager, the late, Sir Bobby Robson described the goal as 'the hand of a rascal'. It shouldn't have stood, he should have been sent off. Instead he stayed on the pitch to score one of the greatest World Cup goals of all time and went on to win the tournament.

FIFA News stated the following in their July issue that year: "Diego Maradona's football in Mexico was honest", Robson commented, "As if the 'Hand of God' could be conveniently expunged from the story of '86. Not in the Robson household, it couldn't". We had access to video then and in 1966 but the controversy has been allowed to continue, Thierry Henry knows this.

Cheats

Arts London News journalist, Neil Stacey, wrote a feature in November entitled 'Cheating in Sport', where he points out numerous cheats, many from this year alone, he commented "As more money is piled into sport through sponsorship, wages and endorsements, it seems the amount of unacceptable gamesmanship, cheating and corruption has risen dramatically." This latest incident is yet another to be added to the tally.

It is not the only tally adding either, Thierry is no stranger to cheating. Spanish fans would recollect their dismay, when they were knocked out of the Quarter Finals of the World Cup in 2006. Henry collapsed on the ground clutching his face to win a free kick against Spanish player, Puyol.

The replays showed Puyol never touched his face. France scored from the free kick to win. This hardly fits the sqeaky clean image portrayed by the French record scorer for Gillette, along with highly integral sports stars, Tiger Woods and Roger Federer. Henry seems to be having far too many close shaves, and  he may have another one if he turns up anywhere near Dublin.

Video technology

So, what of the much speculated, video technology? Why is it being ignored?

Ex-top level, referee, Graham Poll, helped cement the cause for a fourth official, when he issued three yellow cards to the same player at World Cup 2006, he said the day after Ireland's defeat: "FIFA say it would undermine the officials on the day but are you telling me there's any credibility for the match officials after last night."Speaking as a referee, Poll knows it is better to be undermined by the players than a whole population, he stated: "FIFA have to wake up to the idea of video technology."

Poll has inclinations that pragmatic match officials are using video technology, through the fourth official. "There was a case during this summer's Confederations Cup, Brazil versus Egypt, where English referee, Howard Webb had seemingly awarded a corner and so had his linesman, when miraculously they then decided there had been a handball, awarded a penalty and sent the Egyptian off."

There is also, 'that Old Chestnut', Zidane's headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final went unnoticed and then was mysteriously awarded. Poll confirmed his support "There are suspicions that 4th Officials are using TV monitors and helping referees, what's wrong with that?"

Not referees fault

One under fire referee, Martin Hansonn, Poll was sympathetic, he believes he is one of the better referees: "I'm hoping, for sure it will be alright for the final 24 when the selections are made next year" he was referring to the list of referee's to officiate the World Cup. He pointed out, Hansson had otherwise a good game "The handball has covered up, the disgraceful dive which Anelka made moments earlier which, Hansonn did well to not to fall for, you could tell he was unsure that is why he didn't caution the player". Finally, Poll believes: "There seems to be a lack of appetite to get cheating out of the game, It is the players who are cheating, the referees try their best."

The alternative to video technology is currently trialled by UEFA in the Europa League. The system integrates two extra referees behind the goals. Everton were one of the first teams to try it against AEK Athens this season.

The Toffees Manager, David Moyes remained unconvinced: "There will still be room for human error, so i'm not sure this is the way to go," he thought about adverse affects.

"You may see more penalties and red cards with extra referees looking for something to do." There is also the risk that players may complain about being put off by having someone behind the goals.

Amidst increased attention from the media, FIFA have stated they could introduce line referees for next year's World Cup, with the topic to be on the agenda at the law-making International Football Association Board meeting next March.

A spokesperson said: "The situation of additional referees will be spoken about at the IFAB meeting." Both footballing bodies are in favour of adopting this approach because it is accommodated more easily by lower leagues. That opinion will be met by stiff opposition, it is a well known fact most countries are lacking in quality referees, without trying to entice any more.

Michel Platini, UEFA President, is in favour: "Things have not improved in refereeing for more than 100 years. I am against video technology because that will take the human face away from the game, but this system will help the referee make the right decision."

He explained that: "The referee will take up different positions, but it will mean three officials with clearer views," and, he believes it will diminish cheating from the game as, "Players will give up simulating because referees will see them."

Whatever the case, it doesn't look like there will be any 'Hawk Eye' technology in place like we see in Tennis at football grounds anytime soon, Thierry Henry and pals will be looking to be first to the line in South Africa next year and as for the 'five officials', it may just be a case of trial and Eire.