IT’S TIME FOR TECHNOLOGY

CHRIS BRUNT has urged FIFA to consider video referees after a dodgy penalty ended Northern Ireland’s World Cup dream.

Michael O’neill’s men drew 0-0 in Basel but lost their play-off with Switzerland 1-0 on aggregate thanks to a spot kick that should never have been in the first leg in Belfast.

Romanian referee Ovidiu Hategan was the villain of the piece when he wrongly penalised Corry Evans for blocking a Xherdan Shaqiri shot with his shoulder.

Fulham midfielder Oliver Norwood claimed the men in green had been “shafted” and Brunt believes video assistant referees should be introduced to avoid future blunders.

He said: “I think it will have to be brought in. There’s too much riding on stuff now.

“For a country like ours to miss out on the World Cup, based on a decision that could have been overturned in 10 seconds, it’s going to have to be looked at – just not in time for us.”

West Bromwich Albion team-mate Jonny Evans added: “Goalline technology has come in and changed the game for the better. I’m sure they will have to do more research on it and analyse it.

“Football is a fantastic sport. It’s an amazing sport and we’re all privileged to play it at such a high level but