Marriner Blunder Reignites Calls for Technology

I have for many years be advocating the use of technology in football. In fact one of my very first articles was on this exact issue. For me it is a no-brainer, technology should be used just as it is in other sports.

I first saw technology used in Rugby League over 15 years ago. Even then I could not understand why it was not used in football. Since then so many other sports have adopted technology to help with decisions. It has changed certain sports forever. For example look at Tennis, the days of a players acting like John McEnroe and ranting about line-calls are largely gone. The players are left in no doubt to if the correct decision was made.

When you consider the money involved in todays game and the hours and hours of media coverage and scrutiny of every match it is laughable that the sport does not use technology. We have so many cameras at every game and yet the people who really need them do not have access to them. Surely this is not right. What is it about the governing bodies that makes them so arrogant as to think we do not need it?

Finally this year goal-line technology has come into effect in the Premier League and it has shown just how easy it is use. Even though this issue rarely appears in matches, when it has been needed it has produced the goods everytime. To think of all the players, managers and fans anger that has been saved by the introduction of such a simple tool, which we should have had 10 years ago. No longer have we discussed controversial goal-line calls or spend hours discussing them on sports programmes such as Radio 5 Live's 606 or Match Of the Day.

The time argument is one that annoys me greatly as it is simply not true. The amount of time that is wasted by players arguing or harassing the referee could be used to get the right result. Also I would rather it took an extra 30 seconds and the right decision was made than a snapshot instant mistake.

How long would it have taken for Kieron Gibbs' red-card to be checked? 5 seconds? Literally one replay and it would have been sorted as many other decisions would be.

Now I am not defending Andre Marriner as his mistake is inexcusable. He will be suspended for at least a few games I imagine, if not relegated to lower league matches. I also think the roles of the linesman should be questioned as surely he saw it was not Gibbs who handled the ball? Having said this I just think that if the fourth official or someone upstairs away from the action could have taken a quick look at it again and contacted him the issue would have been resolved before Gibbs even got off the pitch.

I think England and the Premier League should lead the way and start using it. If we wait for UEFA/FIFA you could be waiting a very long time. As seen with their waste of time introduction of extra officials in European matches, who I am yet to see make a decision.

The job of the referee is very tough and even when viewing a match on the television you regularly need to see replays to conclude a decision. Why shouldn't he have the best possible view to make a decision?

I am not saying you should stop the game every minute to check every decision but major decisions should be assessed. One of which is a straight red card and the other is a penalty. Both of these are crucial decisions that alter games hugely. An example was in last night El Clasico. The Real Madrid penalty never should have been. If the ref had blown for a foul, then very quickly asked via his radio mic "inside or not" it would have taken what 5 seconds to see it was outside. Again one replay was all that would have been necessary. By doing so the players cannot argue as they have no grounds. If that decision had decided the game it would have been a 'controversial' talking point and one which would have been resented by Barcelona fans and players.

A further point is that referees could also not be so easily intimidated as they could pass it upstairs if in doubt.  For me we should be looking at getting referees out of the spotlight and back-pages and talking about the game. Their present for me is far too much. Too often Phil Dowd, Howard Webb, Martin Atkinson, Andre Marriner or Mike Dean are hitting the headlines for deciding games with rash/incorrect decisions.

At the end of the day for me video technology equals justice and for those that want a fair game with the correct decisions, whether that means you team winning or losing, it is a necessity. For me the real sadness is that despite it having been so obvious for so long we still wait. 

Champions League Delivers Exciting Draw

An all Spanish affair, a repeat of last years semi-final, a battle of the billionaires and a rivalry rekindled. 

The quarter final draw of the Champions League has certainly provided some pulsating match-ups. 

Holders and favourites for the competition Bayern Munich will face Manchester United. A draw which the German side will certainly be happy with.

Real Madrid will play Borussia Dortmund in a repeat of last years semi final. Chelsea will face Paris Saint Germain while Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid.

The first legs will be played on 1-2 April, with the return matches on 8-9 April.

The Champions League quarter final draw was always going to be very interesting given the quality of the sides left....... and Manchester United. It is amazing to think that Manchester United are the weakest side in the draw and the one many of the teams would have liked to face.

Manchester United v Bayern Munich 

Moyes reaction the news

For many this will be the most predictable of the ties. Bayern Munich are 23 points ahead in the Bundesliga, unbeaten in 50 league games and heralded by many as the best team in Europe. A side that has shown its class already beating both Arsenal and Manchester City and have set their sights in being the first club to retain the Champions League.

This is the task facing a Manchester United side who have endured a very poor season by their standards. For the first time in my lifetime they are not even in the Premier League title race and are looking a certainty to finish outside the top 3 for the first time in Premier League history. It will be their lowest finish since finishing 6th in the 1990-1991 season.  Add to this disappointing exits from both of the domestic cups and it is easy to see why the pressure has been mounting in new man David Moyes.

The only real success for Moyes, if you can call it that, is this Champions League run. I know the opposition have not been the sternest but they have got to the quarter finals. However they now face arguably the strongest and most in-form side in European if not World football. It is therefore no surprise that the bookmakers make Pep Guardiola's Bayern 1/4 to go through.

When you look at the sides it is difficult to see how you can compare the two midfields. United has Fellani, Cleverely and Carrick while Bayern has the likes of Martinez, Schweinsteiger, Kroos, Gotze and Thiago. To think United have a chance would appear on paper as laughable. Wednesday night showed everything you need to know when the great 40-year old Ryan Giggs not only plays but runs the show for United. As great a player as Giggs is, of that there is no question, United should not still be relying on him. Giggs will undoubtedly play in this tie however how effective he can be is another issue. It is difficult to see United even having the ball, let alone being able to actually cause Bayern any serious trouble. There is just too many weaknesses in the United side. How Sir Alex Ferguson Ferguson managed to win titles without seriously addressing this issue is incredible.

Robben must be looking forward to this one

The central midfield is the stand out area of difference however to be honest Bayern are stronger nearly all over the field. The attacking presence of Ribery, Robben and Muller just adds to the already stellar cast. Add to this United's defensive troubles of players well past their best in Evra, Ferdinand and Vidic  combined with liabilities likes Rafael and Bayern are laughing. Players like Evans, Smalling, Buttner and Jones to me still have plenty to prove they are of sufficient quality to play at this level.

But there is always hope, their close encounters from the past will be mentioned in the build up but unfortunately at present , very much like AC Milan, Manchester United are now just a name. To have a chance the United players are going roll back the years in the case of Vidic and Ferdinand or have the game of their lives. Up front there will be huge pressure on Wayne Rooney as the injury to Robin Van Persie just compounds United's troubles.

My prediction would be a very comfortable win for Bayern in both legs. I can already see the headlines now of 'a lesson being taught' , 'outclassed', 'embarrassed' and the classic comments of the worsening standard of Premier League sides. I would like to think United will play well above what we have seen this season as I always like to see English sides perform well however  I just cannot see them being able to. Sadly they are just not good enough.

Chelsea v Paris Saint Germain 

This match is exceptionally hard to call. Chelsea are slight favourite to progress due to them being at home in the second leg.

Mourinho looking forward to another big european night

Both sides are well known for their billionaire owners and both sides do possess world stars. The stand out player is of course the ever shy and modest Swedish star, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. A man who relishes the big occasions and is the obvious danger man for PSG. The rest of the side boosts huge talent in players like Tiago Silva, Verratti , Cavani, Motta, Lucas Moura and Lavezzi. They are the new team on the block in European football and are only getting stronger with every pasting year.

Having said that if there is one side who could stop anyone it is Chelsea and Jose Mourinho. A man similar to Ibrahimovic in his modesty and shyness. Jose Mourinho is never happier when being the underdog. Either with Porto back in 2003 or Inter Milan in 2010 he loves taking on the big European football powerhouses and causing a shock. Similar to the Premier League title race he will make out Chelsea are huge underdogs however in reality they are not. They have a very good chance of progression and he knows that.

His tactics have had plenty of criticism however he is a winner and will do what it takes to win. For me the key will be the team selection. I think he will go with the men he can trust. Terry and Lampard for sure will play. Eto'o will start up top and Hazard and Schurrle.

It promises to be a fascinating match and would not be surprised to see tempers flare up.

My prediction is that Chelsea will squeeze through. It will not be pretty but it will get the job done.

Barcelona v Atletico Madrid

Messi still the key man for Barcalona

For me Atletico Madrid have been a treat to watch this season. When you watch them it is how every fan wants to see his team. They play with real pace, commitment and quality. They are undoubtedly my outside best to win this tournament. I find it amazing that they are currently 20/1. I know they may lack the experience of this competition but they have a real chance. You can probably guess from that that I am strongly tipping Atletico for this one.

Barcelona are not the team of a few years ago and I think they are vunerable. In Messi they have an incredible talent and one that not only strikes fear into the opposition but provides belief and confidence to his own side. You see this in La Liga, when Messi does not play despite if they win or lose they are not the same side even for all their talents. They are still a top European side, I just have the feeling they are their for the taking. Bayern proved that last year and for me Barcelona have still not addressed the fundamental problem of the centre of defence.

Star Striker Costa has had a great season far 

For Atletico, Diego Costa, Turan and Koke have all impressed immensely this year and when you add a talent like David Villa into the mix they are an incredible exciting side. For me they will come through the tie and 'shock' people. They are second in La Liga, while Barcelona are third, and throughly deserve to be there. The bookies have Barcelona at 2/5 to go through, while price Athletico at 2/1.

Personally this is the tie I am most excited to watch.

Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund

This one is a repeat of last years semi-final of which Borussia Dortmund came through victorious. Having said that, I cannot see them repeating the feat this year.

Bale and Ronaldo both in fine form

Real Madrid are looking incredibly strong this season. Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale as part of a front three with Benzema is frighteningly good as they proved against Schalke. Ronaldo is have another wonderful season and deservedly picked up the World Player of the Year award. Bale moved to Real Madrid last sumer for a huge world record price and many doubted the value of the deal, they are not now. The comments at the time of him 'not being ready' are laughable. He was clearly ready. He is without doubt a world star who for me is only getting better.

While Madrid look stronger, Dortmund look weaker. The loss of Gotze was a hammer blow and despite still being a top European side who should not be underestimated I just think Real Madrid will have too much for them. Lewandowski will be the key man and he will need to be as clinical as he was last year to give them a chance. They also have many injuries which will not help the cause.

Bookies place Real Madrid at 2/9 while Dortmund at 3/1 to qualify.

My prediction is for Real Madrid to get though this one.

Personally I cannot wait for these matches to begin. This is without doubt the most exciting quarter final draw for years.

Weekend Tips

Last week proved to be a very mixed weekend.  I have no qualms as to the Palace result as still think it was a good bet all things considered. The football accumulator was a success at 7/1 despite Manchester City limping over the line.

Full Shift did the business at Kempton, actually going of at 5/2, winning by just over 3 lengths. However 2nd place Songsmith had a great run at 40/1 and had me worried for a while but how could I ever doubt the great AP McCoy. 

The rugby provided last minute drama which went against me. Scotland last second drop goal to beat Italy as well as Hull KR's last minute try and conversion to draw with Huddersfield. 

  

Football:

This week no one bet stands out for me. History would indicate that Stoke away is always a tough one for Arsenal who have not had the best of results at the Britannia. At 4/1 Stoke are a very tempting punt and one I will probably take.

Dream Team of Jelavic and Long to have success today

Hull also looks a strong bet. The striking partnership of Long and Jelavic will cause teams plenty of trouble. Today they face Newcastle, a side in poor form and without captain Coloccini today after he flew home to Argentina. As a result they are very vulnerable indeed. SkyBet have them at 7/5 and this looks a ridiculous price given form, Hull's home advantage and the absence of Coloccini. However as I am a Newcastle fan this is not a bet I will be making.  

Southampton/Liverpool also provide an interesting match up. Liverpool are flying high and dreaming a the title. Southampton have dipped of late however still are still a dangerous side. But the likes of Lallana, Lambert and Shaw will all need to be on top form today if they are to have a chance. Liverpool look the bet. SkyBet go 5/2 Southampton, Liverpool 21/20 and 14/5 the draw.

Accumulator bet is Everton, Leicester City, Woves and Leyton Orient at 7/2 (SkyBet).

Horse Racing

Racing comes from Newbury, Lingfield and Doncaster this week. 

The bet of the day looks to be Shangani, 4/1 (SkyBet) in the 3.50 Newbury. This is one I will certainly be taking on. The race is a competitive one with the main challenges coming from the Paul Nicholls pair. 

At Doncaster, Lucky Landing, 8/1 (SkyBet) in the 2.55 is the each-way bet. I saw this horse run towards the back end of last season and he put in some good performances. If replicated today, the horse will not be 8/1 again anytime soon.