Webb open to technology trial

High-profile referee Howard Webb has thrown his support behind the introduction of goal-line technology in football.

Webb, officiator of the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, believes that any technology with the potential to aid referees should be investigated.

The debate was re-ignited at this year’s World Cup following a controversial decision not to award England a legitimate goal in their last-16 play-off loss to Germany.

“It’s got to be worth looking at to make our job on those really crucial decisions that bit easier,” Webb told the BBC.

“I don’t think you’ll find many referees who say it’s not something we want’. (But) it’s difficult to do.”

Webb is keen for football’s governing body, FIFA, to re-open investigations into the feasibility of such technology.

“It’s a matter of fact whether or not all of the ball has crossed all of the goal-line between the posts and under the crossbar,” he said.

“Bearing in mind that’s the entire aim of the sport, to score a goal.”

“If we were to have some support – some assistance that was totally accurate and totally reliable – and instantaneous, then I guess it’s got to be worth looking at.”

“We sit here in 2010 and other sports have embraced certain types of technology. Football hasn’t – but that tells me that’s because it’s really difficult, without changing the basic way the game is played. That’s the fear, which I understand.”