Over Half Of England Fans Favour Goal-line Tech

After England scraped through to the quarterfinals of Euro 2012 thanks, in part, to a dubious decision not to award a Ukrainian equaliser in the final group game, a global football survey – Hattrick Global Football Voice – has revealed that more than half of England fans are in favour of goaline technology. 

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has also renewed calls for the introduction of goal-line technology after the controversial incident in England’s win over Ukraine that helped eliminate the co-hosts.

Goal-line technology could be approved by the International Football Association Board on 5th July.

Hattrick, the free-to-play online real time football management game, announced the results of its annual survey on Thursday, which found that 57% of England fans are seeking the introduction of goal-line technology, although these responses were recorded before the recent controversy.

The annual poll, one of the biggest in football, captured the views of over 30,000 football fans from over 25 countries across the globe and revealed passions, views and verdicts on the beautiful game from fans and aspiring managers.

The Hattrick Global Football Voice Top 11 Results:

1.           Goal-Line Technology

It’s still THE talking point in Europe with 49% of all fans polled wanting to see its introduction, even before the incendent in last night’s game between England and Ukraine. The Italians and the Dutch are particularly keen with 71% voting for its development. Although the Germans don’t agree, 49% want to see the removal of bookings for players who celebrate goals by taking their shirt off! The Swedish would also like to see stricter referring on players diving (63%).

2.           Best Fans for Atmosphere

Football supporters still love the Irish fans, despite legend Keane’s comment about coming for a ‘sing-song’. Overall, Ireland came out on top with 26% of respondents saying they credited the best atmosphere in the group stages. The Dutch came second, thanks to their bright fancy dress no doubt.

3.           Football fans support the Germans…even the English!

39% of respondents think that Germany will be victorious in Poland and Ukraine – amazingly, even 46% of competitive English fans agree Löw’s men will lift the trophy. Every country predicted Germany will take the title, except the Spanish who think they are still in with a chance (55%) (although Germany was their second most popular choice with 27%).

4.           Domestic Football Wins

57% of respondents are still more passionate about domestic rather than International football, despite current interest in Euro2012.

5.           Yes to Player Wage Restraint

48% of football fans would support a salary cap if introduced, as club debt is a worry for fans. Not surprisingly with the influx of cash being put into the Russian game, a third of Russian fans (32%) don’t care what the players are paid, more than any other country, as they only want to see the best in their own league!  

6.           No to a European Super League!

The idea of a European Super League has been talked about for a number of years and a meeting was alleged to have happened with FIFA this summer. Football fans across Europe are against a European Super League with over half (55%) of fans voting against such a league.  

7.           TV Threat to Match Day Crowds

The number of games live on TV dramatically affects fans going to stadiums, with 30% of fans voting this as the main reason they don’t go to every game!  Fans watch games on TV the most in Russia (52%) and the least in Germany (25%).16% also admitted to streaming games on their laptops, tablets or mobile phones.

8.           Money Money Money

Swedish football fans pay the most for football per year, with a third (30%) of their respondents spending over 500EUR per year on football. French fans however are spending the least with 93% of their fans spending less than 500EUR on football every year.

9.           Fans Rated Russian Chances

Football fans surprised at Russia exit as 19% of fans picked the Russians to surprise us at Euro 2012.    

10.         Top of The Team Sheet

Mesut Ozil is tipped to shine in the quarter finals and the rest of the tournament with over a third (36%) voting him the one to watch. Spain’s Xavi was a close second with 32% of the votes .

11. Spain get social during games

The Spanish like to tweet and post comments on Facebook while watching games, one in five (18%) admitting so, closely followed by the English and Turkish (both 14%). The Russians are the least social with only 3% monitoring feeds. Sweden like to multi-task during matches, with 12% saying they play video games while the games on.
 
Johan Gustafson, founder and creative director at Hattrick, said: ‘Our annual Global Football Voice Survey is all about airing the fans’ views and looking at the passions and burning issues which will shape the future of The World’s Biggest Sport.’