Euro 2024 has so far been barely free of any major refereeing controversy, and one former official has been especially impressed with some of the new technology on show.
Mark Halsey, who refereed in the Premier League for 14 years, has been particularly taken with the semi-automated offsides, which has given a much clearer ruling on decisions during games.
Speaking exclusively to DAZN, thanks to Online Poker, Halsey believes the speed with which calls have been made is largely due to the new technology.
"One thing that has been a massive plus with the new technology is the semi-automated offsides," Halsey said.
"One thing about VAR in the Euros is that it has been so quick, and so slick. I did say that before the tournament started, whether we’d see a massive difference between the Euros and the Premier League and the difference we can see is down to the semi-automated offsides.
"That’s what we want to see in the Premier League and I think it will end up being there. With the added technology in the ball, that sends data to the officials in real-time, which does make the process quicker.
"I’m not so sure about the Snickometer in football, personally, it’s not cricket – we’re not looking for a bat on ball! I think other than that it’s all working extremely well. The only time it’s taken over three minutes is when the English officials have been involved, though!"
Halsey believes it's success must now mean the Premier League need to adapt the technology and he's urged all stadiums to be kitted out and ready for it.
Adding: "Week after week in the Premier League we’re seeing goals being checked for offside and it’s taking so long, with the semi-automated it happens immediately and the game can move on – as we’ve seen in the Euros. All the Premier League teams need to get it in their stadiums."
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