McIlroy wants technology in big games

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Hategan’s name was not included in Fifa’s list of 36 match referees who will take charge of games at this year’s World Cup.

But Northern Ireland’s pain was a lot deeper as, when Swiss defender Ricardo Rodriguez scored the spot-kick to secure the only goal of the play-off, it ended hopes of back-to-back major tournament action and cost the Irish FA around £13million in revenue.

Hategan explained: “Unfortunately I’m not among the 36, but I’ll see if I’m going to be a video referee. Surely it has had a big influence and what happened in the play-off game, it’s not a secret and I’m not hiding behind words.

“In our world, the referees are the same as the goalkeepers — everyone sees the mistake.

“I’ve got over that moment, I’m a strong man. My family were there for me.”

Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill and the Irish FA, one of the five members of the law-making body, the International Football Association Board, have called for the introduction of video technology after the play-off defeat.

“The video (referee) will bring improvements,” said Hategan.

“You have seen the results in other championships, but discussions will always be a lot of talk, but I am firmly convinced that those big mistakes will be eliminated.”

McIlroy added: “Video technology has got to be used in the big games that matter, not meaningless internationals.

“I think this whole disappointing episode should be put to bed because a huge mistake was made and it can’t be changed. Nothing the referee can say can change anything. It was a call that hurt Northern Ireland and only served to highlight the need for video technology.” Call: Sammy McIlroy is keen to see more video technology