Platini warns against goal-line technology

UEFA president Michel Platini has claimed introduced goal-line technology will lead to "PlayStation football" but admits that referees have to be masochists to cope with all the criticism thrown at them.

Platini, who is pushing for two extra assistant referees behind the goal-line at games, said football had to help match officials gain more respect.

Football's law-makers last week took the first step towards introducing goal-line technology but speaking on a visit to Glasgow, Platini told www.scottishfa.co.uk: "Then we will have PlayStation football."

He added: "One referee is not enough, not in the modern era where you have 20 cameras. It is unfair: the cameras can see everything but the referee only has one pair of eyes. Every time he makes a mistake, those cameras are there to focus on it.

"It is why for the past 10 years I have asked to change the job of the referee, to help improve the situation and to give the referees better support.

"These people are going to make mistakes and to be a referee I think you have to be a masochist. The system is bad and I have known this for 40 years.

"The referee has to be helped by the clubs, the fans, by players, by the media and also by the authorities - everyone has a responsibility. It is why we have added two assistants for Champions League games this season.

"It is a logical step with so many cameras that can pick up incidents: the more eyes there to assist the referee, the better the chance of spotting those incidents."

Platini attended the Old Firm derby at Parkhead where he watched Rangers win 3-1 - though Celtic disputed crucial decisions by referee Willie Collum.

The UEFA president paid tribute to the atmosphere at the match saying: "The fervour and anticipation of the supporters is special."

He also said he would enjoy seeing the Tartan Army watching Scotland at the European Championships again.

Platini added: "I love the passion of football fans in Scotland.

"They come to support their team with colour, with happiness and without violence. Yes, I think the spectacle of a European Championships would be helped by the Scotland supporters, because they bring so much to the game."