Over the last five years we have seen many calls for the introduction of technology to football. Match day officials receive intense scrutiny over every decision often followed by equally intense criticism for some of those decisions. The past week’s events are a case in point with one assistant referee resigning, another threatening resignation, while a third had to suffer through threatening phone calls at home.

Punters and online bookmakers are amongst those making the most noise, but of course, they are speaking through their pockets, especially if a decision costs them money. On the other side of the fence sit football administrators who are vehemently opposed to the introduction of any technology preferring to leave the in-game decisions to the match day officials. There is a sound argument for both sides, and as I mentioned, it’s only when decisions affect results that protests become loudest.

For punters, the equation is simple. When placing a bet on a football game, you know that there are, essentially, three teams playing. Two teams are trying to score goals and win while the third team is there to supervise and ensure that everything is done according to the rules. We also know that everyone who is on the field is human, and that humans make mistakes.

Football players, even those that have gained hero worship status, make mistakes. Managers make mistakes, and yes, referees make mistakes. It rankles somewhat when someone complains that a referee ‘cost’ them the game. The referee may have cost them a goal, or a player, but not the game. The game is ultimately decided by players and their performance during the game. If a poor referee decision costs you a goal – it’s hard luck. However, I wonder how many shots on goal hit the woodwork, or sailed over or wide? There are normally two or three at least per game yet I don’t hear fans suggesting their ‘hero’ cost them the game when hitting the woodwork – yet that cost them a goal!

Betting on football is always risky. We often see rank outsiders hold top teams to draws, or win. I wonder how many selected Arsenal to beat Manchester City on the weekend? Not many, yet the Gunners won. In reality, it’s the unpredictable nature of results that make football so attractive. Online bookmakers protect themselves by laying off heavy bets, and setting odds that ensure they always turn a profit. Punters – funny how I never hear them complaining about poor referee decisions when it helps their bet get up! Do we need technology? I am sure there are some areas where it could help, but otherwise, let’s keep the game pure and a great betting spectacle.