Gerrard calls for technology

04 July 2010 09:34

England's World Cup captain, Steven Gerrard, has called for the introduction of goal-line technology.

Gerrard's side were on the wrong end of a tough decision in their last-16 clash against Germany, when Frank Lampard's potential equaliser was ruled out despite clearly crossing the line - although they were eventually well beaten by the semi-finalists.

During the Europa League, UEFA experimented with extra officials behind the goals - and Gerrard, who experienced that system with Liverpool, believes that is the minimum that should have been in operation in South Africa. "It was a success then," he is quoted as saying in The Mail on Sunday. "Why not use the same system at the World Cup?"

He added: "If there had been a linesman behind the German goal then maybe England would still be in the World Cup."

Gerrard believes players should have more influence in rule changes.

"When these decisions are made they are always made by officials," he said. "They don't play the game, do they?

"The decision not to award Frank's goal was a shocker.

"I was 25 yards out and I could see clearly that it was over the line, so I can't understand why the linesman didn't give it.

"He was a good 20 yards behind play, which is disappointing at this level, and I hope it opens the debate up again about goal-line technology.

"FIFA have to look at it now because what happened with us was scary. It just isn't good enough. My opinion is that goal-line technology should be brought in and I know I'm not alone in thinking that."

Source: PA