• Euro 2012

Blatter: Goal-line technology a 'necessity'

ESPN staff
June 20, 2012
Sepp Blatter became a convert to goal-line technology after Frank Lampard was denied a legitimate goal in England's 2010 World Cup defeat to Germany © Getty Images
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FIFA president Sepp Blatter claims goal-line technology is "no longer an alternative but a necessity" following Ukraine's complaints of being denied an equaliser against England on Tuesday.

With Ukraine trailing 1-0 with 30 minutes to go in the Group D clash, Marco Devic's shot was cleared from behind the line by England defender John Terry - and officials failed to spot the potentially game-changing incident.

"There are five referees on the pitch and the ball is 50cm behind the goal-line. Why do we need five officials?" Ukraine manager Oleh Blokhin raged after the hosts crashed out of Euro 2012 following defeat in Donetsk.

However, TV replays later showed that Devic was offside during the build up to the 'goal' and play should have stopped before the Ukraine striker struck his shot.

Blatter became a convert to goal-line technology after Frank Lampard was denied a legitimate goal in England's 2010 World Cup defeat to Germany.

That failed to convince UEFA president Michel Platini - the favourite to succeed Blatter as the most powerful man in world football - who remained wedded to his belief additional assistant referees behind each goal was the best way forward.

Blatter, who hopes to convince the game's rule-makers - the International Football Association Board - to give technology the green light, posted on Twitter: "After last night's match #GLT is no longer an alternative but a necessity."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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