Wenger renews call for refs to get video help

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has renewed his call for referees to be allowed to use video technology to make immediate decisions on controversial incidents in Premier League matches.

Wenger's latest demand for the use of video technology comes after a week of high-profile mistakes by match officials which saw two offside goals awarded to Chelsea against Wigan last Saturday and Manchester United deprived of a clear hand-ball penalty against Wigan on Wednesday.

The Frenchman is shocked by the amount of recent blunders and he believes it is essential that the game's administrators bring in video assistance, not just to rule if the ball has crossed the line as FIFA have been discussing, but also to debate other crucial incidents.

"Last weekend was a very, very bad weekend. The football authorities on a global scale have to sit together and see how we can improve," Wenger said on Friday.

"There are some immediate decisions to make but as well it is time for us to help the referees. To all be united and have a less conservative approach and finally opt for video.

"Video will help the referees, not question their authority. It will give them more credit, more authority and less mistakes. (We need) instant video replays on the demand of the referee."

Wenger is adamant that using video evidence to check decisions wouldn't slow down the game, which has been a main concern of FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

"It would not stop the game. It would sometimes give a bigger flow to the game," Wenger said.

"Why? Because if I am a linesman and an offside decision is a 50-50 I'm tempted to stop the game. If I know I have a video behind me I am tempted to let it go if I'm convinced it is a real 50-50 and you could improve the flow of the game and check after.

"Football is the first sport in the world today but we have to accept we have the most conservative approach to the game than any other sport. It can be a strength but on the refereeing side I think it is a weakness."
 

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