ANDONI Iraola believes the implementation of semi-automated offside decisions in the Premier League is a “matter of time”, which will help cut delays caused by video assistant referee reviews.
Recent Cherries fixtures have seen lengthy delays to ascertain whether goals should or should not stand.
At the start of the second half of the 6-1 defeat at Manchester City, Dominic Solanke had a goal chalked off, while there was an agonising delay towards the end of the 2-1 home win against Burnley.
The correct decision was also eventually reached there, with Jay Rodriguez offside and the goal ruled out.
Asked if he is worried about the direction the game is going in following recent controversial VAR decisions across the Premier League, Cherries’ boss said: “I think it is something that is still evolving.
“I think there are some things that technology will allow not to happen again. Because with the offside, I think we could see in the World Cup, the semi-automated offsides.
“I think this is something they will implement for sure and it will take a lot of the time (away).
“You can see in our game against City, our disallowed goal and against Burnley, it is time that I think they will cut.
“But there are certain things that it is impossible to solve. The handball situations especially.
“I think the referees are trying to improve, but there will always be these kind of conflicts, because there are situations that are not clear. Especially I would say with handballs.
“Handballs are something we discuss a lot between managers, but it is very difficult to solve and it’s a big, big problem.
“It is very decisive in the games.
“We are even changing the way players are defending. It is not natural right now. You see the situations where players are defending with their hands behind their back, blocking shots.
“But it is so, so decisive to call a handball and a penalty that players have to adapt.”
Semi-automated offside technology uses a series of dedicated tracking cameras to follow the ball and each player, with a sensor also inside the football itself.
Asked if he expects semi-automated offside to be brought in in England, Iraola said: “I think it will come. I think it’s going to be a matter of time, because it is something quite clear for everyone.
“It is just easier. I think we all accept it much better, whenever you see the images we could see, it is not like you have to draw the lines and spend three minutes.
“I think it is something that is going to arrive, because when I talk to managers and people involved, I think the consensus is quite clear.”
Reflecting on the delay against Burnley, Iraola added: “It was in stoppage time. It was a very important decision for both teams.
“In that moment, when I look at it live, it looked like a clear offside.
“When they start drawing the lines, you don’t see it so clear then!
“But there are moments where you say you have to take your time, but take the right decision because of the consequences.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here