MaltaToday online poll | Overwhelming support for goal-line technology

Respondents to an online poll on MaltaToday.com.mt have overwhelmingly voted in support of the introduction of goal-line technology.

Up to yesterday evening at 9pm, a total of 1,302 voted on the online poll on whether they thought goal-line technology should be introduced following the 'goal' gaffe made during the Euro 2012 between Ukraine and England. The match left the Three Lions walking away victorious and the Ukrainians furious.

The match ended 1-0 after Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai failed to notice that Marko Devic's shot clearly crossed the line before it was scrambled away by John Terry.

Going by MaltaToday's online community, some 939 (72%) respondents - as opposed to the 15% who voted against - will be pleased to know that on Thursday when the International FA Board (IFAB) approved the Hawk-Eye and GoalRef technology.

On the other hand, 13% expressed their complete disinterest in football, a reminder that even though Malta might have momentarily stopped breathing during the Italy vs England match, the reality is that - just like with everything else - there are those who aren't concerned by what goes on in the world of football.

Goal-line technology determines whether the ball has completely crossed goal line, assisting the referee in calling a goal or not. Even though FIFA was initially against it, it is now testing potential candidates for goal-line technology in the wake of controversial calls made not only during the Euro 2012 but also in the Premier League and 2010 World Cup.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter admitted that England's Frank Lampard's 'ghost' goal at the 2010 World Cup played a decisive role in the introduction of the technology: "That was the moment for me to say, 'You can't afford for something similar to happen in the next World Cup'."

In the autumn of 2010, FIFA started testing and its objective was to implement it for the 2014 World Cup. However, another system might be used in upcoming leagues.

On the other hand, UEFA president Michel Platini is more wary claiming that the technology would lead to "PlayStation football".