Video evidence is a great help, German referees say

 German referees are satisfied with the way recent tests have gone to prevent wrong decisions in football in the near future by using video technology.

"We're convinced that we can avoid the majority of the biggest wrong decisions in football in the future by using the video assistant system," said the former FIFA referee and director of officials at the German Football League (DFL) Helmut Krug after intensive testing in games involving youth teams.

In order to make professional football fairer, the German Football Association (DFB) and the league management have recently started tests in collaboration with the game' s governing body FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB). From the 2017/2018 season, the German Bundesliga will use the system in every league game.

On behalf of the country's referees, Krug expressed satisfaction as, "recent testing has shown that we can avoid up to 75 per cent of the most obvious mistakes and at the same time give support to the referees. In future, there will be less pressure on the referees because they know there's someone in the background ready to help."

The German league has set up a "broadcast center" in Cologne which will be in direct contact with the referees on the pitch. While games are played additional referees located in Cologne will take a look at live video scenes and keep the referee on the pitch updated when a correction is needed by using six different camera positions.

A new decision can be made within the space of ten to 40 seconds preventing therefore long stoppage to play. If the video-assistants are not totally sure, a special supervisor will be on hand help to make a final decision. The referee on the pitch can view the scene in question as it will be played on a small screen at the sideline in the stadium.

There are only four situations when the video evidence will come into play - when it has to be decided to award a goal or not, when a penalty has to be given or refused, when the referee decides to send off a player or when a red card should be given for a foul not seen by the on-the-pitch referee.

Several incidents in Bundesliga games have enforced the acceptance of the new system among fans, coaches and players. Recently Borussia Moenchengladbach's striker Lars Stindl unintentionally used his right arm to score a goal and RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner was accused of diving to get a penalty.

In a recent survey conducted by the pay-TV channel "sky" , 76 per cent of those asked were positive about the new system while 24 per cent still had concerns. Tests have shown that on average, one to six situations per game will come under closer scrutiny.

Most club officials in the Bundesliga support the system. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the Bayern Munich CEO says, "We need more security. After all, one goal or one point can decide if a club reaches the Champions League."

Krug made it clear that the final decision will be made by the referee on the pitch. He will indicate through special gesture that he is in contact with the broadcast center in Cologne by outlining a screen in the air or pointing with his finger to his ear.

"We've decided to place the video assistant all on one spot to ensure decisions are made on an equal basis for everybody involved and that we don't cause new problems because decisions are made with a different approach. We have to speak with one voice," Krug emphasized. "We can't solve every questionable situation so there'll still be plenty of things for fans to discuss which is regarded as a vital part of football's attraction," he added.

The Bundesliga's managing director Christian Seifert also expressed his support for the new system. "We claim to have the best referees in the world. Therefore, it will be extremely helpful to use video technology," the chief of the German football league Seifert said.

After the hawk-eye goal line system, which was implemented in the Bundesliga in the 2015/2016 season, video evidence will be the second technical support used in German football.

On March 28, Felix Zwayer will be the first German referee to use the technology in an official match when the 35-year old takes charge of the friendly between France and Spain in the Stade de France in Paris.  

source: Xinhua