Video replay: a first-hand experience

AS ONE of the millions who saw Frank Lampard's disallowed goal against Germany in the 2010 World Cup, I echoed the worldwide sentiments that it was time for the world's most-played sport to adopt new technology, especially one that could review controversial goals. Then, tennis had Hawk-Eye, which allowed players to argue disputed linecalls by officials.

There were some purists who resisted the call, saying video technology will erode the beauty of the game and human nature--and its frailties--has long been part of the game. But, like the rest, I argued that video replays will only enhance the game as it could enhance officiating.

So, imagine my reaction when confronted with a similar incident and I had to parrot the purists during the 5th Sun. Star Football Cup. It was a shootout in the Boys Under 19 between Paref-Springdale and Silver Hawks, sudden-death as it was held to determine the two teams rankings and which of them would face Don Bosco Technological Center. Earlier decision was a toss coin, but that would mean it would be out of the teams' hand, so they requested a shootout.

One kicker from Silver Hawks blasted the ball past the Springdale keeper, and because of the power of the kick and the narrowness of the goal it caromed straight to the side that I and the coaches I was with asked, "Was that a goal?" When the shootout ended, I approached the pitch and learned there was a huge tear in the net, which led to the confusion.

Springdale won the shootout and I thought it was over when players from Silver Hawks protested armed with the gadget of choice for millenials. A smartphone that captured the whole thing, including the goal that wasn't called.

By then, the referee had made his call, and whether it was correct or not, it didn't matter. As organizers, we had no right to overturn a call made in the field of play, video evidence or no video evidence.

So that's what we told players of Silver Hawks—the call by the referee stands and even it was very clear in their video that it should have been a goal. To say they were disappointed was a mild statement and I could hear one say, “Hastang buanga.” I agree but in fairness to them, the team accepted our decision and went on playing.

We had to stand by the referee's decision regardless of evidence because doing otherwise would mean future events will have soccer moms and dads storming us with iPhone 14s or Samsung S10s to check their videos.

And yes, human error is part of the beauty of the game.