In the first part of a three-page feature, we look at why video replays are accepted in other sports and the unique challenges that football needs to overcome to stop the technology wasting everyone’s time and money.
As with most innovations in professional football, Roy Race got there first. Forty years ago, after spending the off-season in the US, he had the foresight to install massive TV screens at mel Park, with the intent of giving supporters something to look at after the game so they wouldn’t all leave at the same time.
The experiment had mixed results right from its debut: when that day’s rivals eastgate equalised the TVs broke down, and their supporters were only prevented from rushing onto the pitch by the accidental broadcast of an advert for a local Chinese takeaway. Then, when melchester Rovers took the lead with a suspiciously offside goal, Roy sportingly allowed the referee and linesmen to look at the replay – which proved he was a fraction offside. The genie was out of the bottle. It was just rather slow to actually do anything.
This story is from the May 2017 edition of When Saturday Comes.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2017 edition of When Saturday Comes.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Pirate Transmission
Broadcasters around the world are paying huge sums to screen football, but they will not be willing to invest if they cannot be protected.
Scandi Drama
Years before it was screened live in the UK, England’s Football League was building a cult following abroad thanks to a visionary broadcaster.
Pot Of Gold
A rare meeting between two local rivals brought FA Cup fever – and a useful financial boost – to one corner of Hertfordshire
Digital Divide
From earnest post-match punditry to being used in actual players’ matchday preparations, the virtual game is becoming increasingly blurred with reality.
Haringey Ladder
The decision to walk off in the face of abuse has shone a national spotlight on a community club with a progressive approach
Bournemouth 0 Norwich City 0
Dean Court may have received a Premier League facelift but against today’s visitors the home team fail to live up to their status, although the low-quality draw they play out is still somehow reassuring.
Room With A View
Hampden Park
Not In The Script
ARSENAL FILM
Out Of Place...
After another unsuccessful qualifying attempt Martin O’Neill is under pressure, while a poor Republic of Ireland squad is only getting weaker
Uncomfortable Truth
At the end of April Sheffield United surprised many people by re-signing Ched Evans, who, following a retrial, has now been found not guilty of the rape charge for which he spent two-and-a-half years in prison.
