Scottish Refs To Use Video Technology

The use of video technology in football is to be introduced in Scotland after
the Scottish Football Association launched a scheme to allow referees to use
video footage to punish players retrospectively.

The scheme, which is the first initiative launched under the leadership of
new SFA chief executive Gordon Smith, is designed to cut down on players diving
or feigning injury.

Under the new rules, referees will be able to review match footage after the
game and punish players retrospectively if they feel they have dived or feigned
injury.

The scheme will start as a pilot this weekend at the start of the new season
and come into effect fully on 1st January.

Commented Smith: ‘In recent years, one unhealthy development in the game in
Scotland has been that of simulation, the term used within football to refer to
cheating by players – either to gain an advantage by ‘conning’ the referee or to
provoke the referee to issue a sanction against an opponent.

‘It can often be the case that the perpetrator of the offence is successful
in his intentions and also escapes punishment. When this happens, there is
little doubt that the image of the game is harmed. In these circumstances, the
cheat wins.

Among other disciplinary initiatives taken by the SFA in the coming season,
referees are being told to be tough on a range of misdemeanours, such as holding
and pushing in the penalty area, mass confrontations, serious foul play and
unacceptable behaviour in the technical area.

However football governing body Fifa has warned the SFA that its plan to use
video evidence to hand out retrospective punishment would contravene the
existing rules.

‘This (retrospective action) refers specifically to incidents which have
escaped the match officials’ attention,’ FIFA said in a statement.

‘According to the FIFA disciplinary code, article 79, the disciplinary
decisions taken by the ref on the field of play during a match are final.’

The SFA’s Smith responded by inviting FIFA to meet to clear the air with
regards to the proposed initiative.