“It’s a brilliant finish” – these were the words BBC commentator Guy Mowbray screamed as Frank Lampard’s 25-yard volley hit the underside of the German crossbar and bounced over the line.
It was the second England ‘goal’ in a matter of minutes, giving England fans hope that going into half time level at 2-2, they would have the momentum in the second half. But celebrations were cut short.
Uruguayan referee, Jorge Larrionda, had failed to see what seemingly the whole footballing world saw. He waved play on and England were the victims of one of the most famous ‘ghost goals’ in recent history.
The game ended 4-1 and England were knocked out of the 2010 World Cup in the second round. Of course, this is not the only incident of its kind.
Probably the most famous example, which still triggers debate almost half a century later, is Geoff Hurst’s second goal in the 1966 World Cup Final. The goal stood and England went on to win their only World Cup to date.
However, Frank Lampard’s ‘ghost goal’ was being broadcast live in over 100 countries worldwide and made football authorities realise that technology had to be introduced.
The 2013/14 Premier League season will see each team earn at least £14m more than this season, with the bottom side likely to receive prize money than this seasons title winners.
With the amount of money in football increasing enormously year on year and advances in technology, it is no longer acceptable that human error can cause a club to be relegated or miss out on European football.
Football writer and expert, Matt Allen, accepts that now is the time for change. Allen said, “A few years ago I was against goal line technology but the stakes are too high now.”
Speaking in April, he continued, “We could get to the stage at the end of this season where Tottenham visit Chelsea in a play-off for the final Champions League place.
“It could ultimately decide who gets £25m, Champions League football and whether Gareth Bale stays at Spurs.
“If that game is decided on a bad decision, like it was at Wembley in the FA Cup semi final last year, then I think it is absolutely right that we introduce goal line technology.”
Premier League chairmen have announced a deal with camera-based system, ‘Hawk-Eye’ and all 20 grounds, as well as Wembley, will have the necessary equipment installed for next season.
When the ball crosses the goal line, a signal is sent to the referee within a second and replays will then be shown on the stadium’s big screens.
For that England incident alone, YES goal-line technology is desperately needed. I look forward to seeing justice played out in more games from next season.