PSL should try new technology — referee

FORMER referee Errol Sweeney believes the Premier Soccer League (PSL) should consider the use of vanishing foam and goalline technology in its matches.

Irishman Sweeney, a top-level referee in SA in the 1980s and 1990s, believes the two new technologies were a huge success when introduced at the Soccer World Cup in Brazil.

The “Hanging Judge” wrote in his column on SuperSport.com last week that while goal-line technology might be expensive to apply in SA, vanishing foam was relatively cost-effective.

The foam is sprayed on the pitch by referees to stop defending players encroaching on attacking free kicks.

“The vanishing foam stopped players from ‘stealing’ that extra half-a-metre at the taking of a free kick around the penalty area while at the same time it prevented the defensive wall from creeping forward those vital centimetres towards the ball,” Sweeney wrote.

“I would be a big fan of the use of these particular aides to help the referees control the game. They (vanishing foam and goalline technology) have their critics and I am conscious of this. However, from a referee’s perspective, it is a great help. All the detractors and critics who thought it would slow the game down and interfere with the natural flow have been proved wrong.

“The cost of vanishing foam is in the region of $10 per canister and probably less if it was to be bought in large quantities.

“Certainly the cost of goal-line technology might prove an obstacle. However, I feel Fifa or the continental bodies should come to the party and ensure all Premier League teams at the very least have it available.”

Sweeney was SA’s referee of the year in 1992 and has been a Soccer World Cup referee coach and mentor.