Michel Platini prefers the idea of extra officials behind the goal rather than utilising goal-line technology and the additional assistant referee (Danny Makkelie) at the Emirates showed that they can be effective. The official awarded Olympiacos their second goal when Ospina spilled the ball from a corner and replays confirmed that the ball had crossed the line.
The Dutch officials also made a very good decision not to give Theo Walcott offside — he was just on when he ran through the Greek defence to score Arsenal’s first goal. Personally, I think goal-line technology should be introduced in Europe as it has been a huge success in the Premier League. Also, the cost of flying extra officials around Europe is ridiculous.
The additional assistant referee at Arsenal has done well, but the one in the Chelsea game has made a mistake – there is no question about that. The referee couldn't see that incident, but the additional assistant (Alejandro Hernandez) must do so. The player’s arm has come forward, it’s a definite penalty. This is why we need cameras at European games, despite Platini not being an advocate of them. If I was refereeing that game, you question why the ball has come off the defender at a funny angle; then look at the assistant; he says he’s not sure, so you go to the video replay. It’s not about holding the game up to check – this is not rugby. It’s easily done.
Michel Platini’s refusal to adopt the proven goal-line technology used in the Premier League almost cost City as Martin Demichelis’ effort was cleared from well over the line. The extra official (Fredy Fautrel) did not award it, but luckily Nicolas Otamendi thrashed the ball into goal. It’s unfathomable why UEFA chief Platini still refuses to use technology for these incidents. French referee Clement Turpin struggled to detect fouls and dives but the way players go down it isn’t surprising. Firstly, he awarded the Borussia Monchengladbach a penalty when Otamendi went to ground to block Raffael, but missed the ball and Raffael dragged his legs into the Argentinian defender’s outstretched leg. Later in the same half, Fernandinho slid in with a poor challenge and tripped Lars Stindl, but this time Turpin waved aside the legitimate penalty appeal and cautioned Stindl for simulation.
Source: Graham Poll / Daily Mail
