Refs safe from technology

Tuesday 12th October 2010, 2:30PM BST.

Enjoying the company while it lasts: Lee Merrien finds himself in the thick of the African challenge in the early moments of the gruelling 10,000 metres. (Picture by Paul Guillou, 1038060)

FOOTBALL referees are safe in their jobs, according to sports engineer Dr Simon Choppin.

Dr Choppin, who is a researcher at Sheffield Hallam University, was in the island to speak to engineers and students about the impact of technology on football.

He said he could see a place for it in the sport, but as an aid to referees rather than replacing them.

‘I don’t see why technology can’t give the referee information,’ he said.

‘Many sports are televised, so there are already high-quality, high-definition cameras pointed at the ball.’