Gold welcomes huge ‘video ref’ breakthrough

David Gold has welcomed the use of TV technology during last night’s international between France and Spain.

The Hammers co chairman is a long time advocate of video refs claiming that such a system does not undermine refs but helps them.

And given the number of dodgy decisions suffered by the Hammers in recent seasons there are surely few who would disagree that this is the way forward.

France fell  foul of decisions made by a video assistant referee (VAR) in a high-profile example of the new technology during their 2-0 home defeat against Spain.

Antoine Griezmann thought he had headed France into the lead three minutes after half-time but, after the referee Felix Zwayer consulted the extra official, the goal was quickly ruled out for offside against Layvin Kurzawa.

The Guardian reported that VARs are being trialled by Fifa at certain events with a view to wider roll-out adding the system worked again when Gerard Deulofeu, initially flagged offside, was ruled to have scored their second after a short delay.

France coach, Didier Deschamps,  had no problem with the use of technology saying:. “If it is verified and it is fair, why not [use VAR]?” he told TF1. “It changes our football a little. It is against us today but if we have to go through this it will be the same for everyone. Afterwards, without [VAR], it would have been different, but it is the evolution of football. That is how it will be.”

And Gold tweeted: “At last TV technology help the officials get it right in the game between France and Spain – now let’s introduce in the Premier League. dg”