This issue became even more prevalent recently in Poland and Ukraine, during an England game, whereby it was proven that even a well-placed fifth or sixth official cannot spot if a ball has gone beyond the line. Despite John Terry’s efforts, it was definitely a goal. Goal line technology is undoubtedly going to enter the game, but what of the other questionable decisions that go on around the pitch?
So, it again poses the question, now that other measures have been tried, if there is a place in football for a Wimbledon style challenge opportunity. Perhaps offering one challenge per half, the captain decides when it should be used and a replay is shown to all on the big stadium screens. If the challenge is justified, then the decision is overturned and the challenge is retained. If the captain challenges incorrectly, the challenge is lost and the game continues.
I am undecided on this, due to it potentially slowing the game, but having posed this question before (and again recently) to other football fans in conversation, there are a fair few in favour of it. There is an argument that the existence of challenges alone would deter players from playing unfairly. It would stop the divers and off-the-ball violent conduct if players thought it would be challenged, especially if cards and suspensions were involved. It may have made Ashley Young think again before diving against Villa at Old Trafford last season (shame on you Mr. Young, for biting the hand that fed you).
It is an issue that has been raised before, but recent examples of poor officials and an ever-present collection of divers and cheats, has brought the issue up again within certain circles.
I have added a poll to find out how the Villa Mad faithful feel about the issue, and to get some debate going. Would it be good for the game, or would it slow it down too much and be too difficult to implement? I am on the fence at the moment, but others may feel more passionately one way or another.