Published: Thursday, 8th January, 2009 1:00pm

Downes: "Leave football alone.'

by Anthony Smith

Comments (0) | Print | Email

WALLY Downes is warning that football matches could turn into boring four-hour affairs and become abused by advertisers if video technology is introduced.

The Reading coach believes bringing in goal-line technology will ruin the sport and make it more like American football where matches often take three hours to complete.

Downes' warning comes on the eve of Reading's home fixture against Watford, the team they were awarded the infamous 'phantom goal' against back in September.

Referee Stuart Attwell's bewildering decision to award the Royals a goal when the ball was two yards wide of the post has become one of the most talked about incidents for many seasons.

It sparked a nationwide debate about whether cameras on the goal-line should be introduced but opinions remain split on the terraces and even in the Royals' dressing room.

Manager Steve Coppell, a big rugby league fan, is firmly in favour, while Downes is totally against, insisting the referee's decision is final.

"I'm probably in the minority but I'm not a big fan of goal-line technology," said Downes. "I believe the referee and linesmen are out there to make decisions and you live and die by them. People shouldn't be too critical but trust their decisions."

Ironically Attwell, the youngest ever referee to officiate a Premier League fixture, was this week promoted to the Fifa international list of referees.

But he will always be remembered for the incident at Vicarage Road when, on the advice of linesman Nigel Bannister, he awarded the-goal-that-never-was in a 2-2 draw.

It eventually went down as a John Eustace own goal but Downes argued: "It was actually 'the goal that was' because it was given. It annoys me when the media start a furore about it because controversy sells newspapers and fills the airwaves.

"It could end up eating itself. If they bring it in there will be no phone-ins or discussions on TV. Perhaps they should be careful with what they're wishing for."

And he added: "If you want to get into it, my worry is that if they stop the action for 30 seconds someone will suggest putting in adverts.

"Television companies won't allow there to be any dead air space. They aren't going to want Andy Gray talking in a studio when they can have a Weetabix or a car advert in there. The game will be stopping every five minutes.

"But I'm sure the TV companies are rubbing their hands. Then it will end up like American football and four hours long. And don't tell me it won't because it will.

"People wonder where it will stop, so don't start it. You get on with it or you will be contesting every decision. The referee is in charge of the game, his decision is final and that's the top and bottom of it. Steve (Coppell) and I don't regularly discuss it but we are at opposite ends.

"The fact is the goal galvanised Watford and that is what football's like, you have to get on with it. There are moments in matches that turn seasons and turn careers. That's the beauty of the game."

Downes is preparing the Royals squad for the televised clash against Watford who are now managed by ex-Reading coach Brendan Rodgers.

It is the 35-year-old's first taste of management and Downes is not surprised their results are starting to improve.

"Friday night is a new scenario for us so we've changed our preparation and now it's full blast," he stated. "I only had a few months here with Brendan. We held some training sessions together and he seemed a nice guy.

"They have changed the way they play. Aidy Boothroyd was more direct but Brendan wants to play football. It's going to take a while to change his players' thought processes and get his ideas across.

"They haven't had a bad run to start with, although results have been a little up and down and I'm sure he's looking to improve on them."

For more stories and your full round up of what's happening in Reading you can purchase the e-edition of the Reading Chronicle click here.