Odds slashed on Premier League goal-line technology introduction

As another contentious goal-line decision was made in England’s 1-0 victory over Ukraine on Tuesday, Ladbrokes quote 3/1 that goal-line technology is introduced in the Premier League next season.

The introduction of goal-line officials has done little to stem the trend of controversy in major tournaments, as proved by Marko Devic’s ‘goal that never was’ last night.

Indeed, an official was within five yards of the action, as John Terry hacked Devic’s effort away from goal, though the ball had quite clearly crossed the line before he did so.

So poor was the officiating, that it now seems technology is an inevitable introduction eventually, and Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said, “They say what comes around goes around, and it’s a case of when and not if UEFA take action on goal-line technology.”

Of course, that is in reference to this being the second time in as many major tournaments that England have been caught up in controversial goal-line incidents, though a more favourable decision was made this time round from a patriotic point of view.

Frank Lampard’s strike against Germany in the 2010 World Cup crossed the line by some distance, yet was not given, which initially ramped up calls for technology to be introduced.

Somewhat ironically, in the aftermath of events such as this, UEFA president Michel Platini went on to sanction the use of extra officials in certain competitions, with these assistant referees being stationed on either byline.

This seems ironic now, given Platini’s staunch stance against technology, and the Frenchman reportedly still remains opposed to the idea.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter is thought to have come round to the intimation however, and in a rare opposite stance to Platini, the Swiss could be influential in seeing goal-line technology utilised across some competitions as early as this year.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.