Van Gaal thanks Blatter for Bayern´s cup win

Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal on Wednesday thanked FIFA chief Sepp Blatter, and his refusal to introduce video technology, for helping his side secure a 2-1 German Cup win over Werder Bremen.

Bremen were left fuming on Tuesday after referee Michael Weiner disallowed a headed goal by Sebastian Proedl in the 60th minute, claiming the Austrian defender had earlier shoved Bayern defender Holger Badstuber.

Had the goal stood, Bremen would have taken a 2-1 lead at Bayern’s Allianz Arena. Van Gaal caused a minor sensation when he later remarked that Proedl’s goal was “completely valid”, and would have been proven as such by a simple video replay.

“I am very pleased that Mr Blatter has not yet made a certain technology available to assist referees,” said the Dutchman.

In the end, the match was decided by a wonder goal from Germany star Bastian Schweinsteiger in the 75th minute, but Bremen were annoyed by the disallowed goal.

“It’s a disaster to not have given the goal, it was a clear mistake (by the referee),” said Bremen coach Klaus Allofs.

“If football is to be refereed like that then there is no point playing as there won’t be any battles for possession between players.”

Despite several clear examples of incorrect refereeing decisions, based on video replays, at the World Cup, FIFA president Blatter has repeatedly refused to allow technology into the game, claiming mistakes are part of football.

Proposals are being studied by football’s rulemakers, the International FA Board (IFAB), on how to introduce goal-line technology.