Zinedine Zidane and Luka Modric criticise the introduction of video technology in football

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane and midfielder Luka Modric have slammed the introduction of video technology, over the “confusion” it caused during their Club World Cup victory over Club America on Thursday.

The incident that caused the confusion took place right at the death of Los Blancos’ 2-0 win when Cristiano Ronaldo fired in his side’s second goal on the night in the 93^rd minute. The referee in the centre promptly called back play after receiving instructions from the video referee who was looking into whether Ronaldo was onside or not.

After a number of odd looks and waving of arms, the officials then decided to do nothing and picked up the ball and placed it on the halfway centre spot, deciding the goal would stand. Replays later showed that Ronaldo was, in fact onside and it was the correct decision, but the delay left fans and players understandably perturbed.

This came shortly after the incident on Wednesday night when video-technology made it’s debut at the highest level of football. Atletico Nacional were left debating about the fact that they were thrown out of the Club World Cup courtesy the first penalty ever awarded by the video system.

Luka Modric criticised the introduction of the new technology and said, “It’s new, I don’t like it, it creates a lot of confusion,” he said. “The other day we had a meeting and I didn’t listen much because I hope the rule doesn’t continue. We’ve got to concentrate on our football and let’s see what happens. My first feelings are not good,” he concluded.

His manager Zidane was unimpressed by it as well, "If you ask me my personal impression it can cause confusion," said the Real manager.

However, he did state that players and managers have no say in the matter, "We don't have the power to decide. If that's decided, then we need to get used to it," he added.

Video technology still in testing phase, say officials

After numerous comments by chiefs of UEFA saying that video-technology “de-humanises” football, the new video-refereeing technology is surely facing a lot of opposition from players, managers and fans alike.

However, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), football’s law-making body, re-asserted that the technology is still in the testing phase: "Referees do not have to wait until the ball goes out of play – they can stop the game for a review as soon as the ball is in a ‘neutral’ area i.e. when neither team has a good attacking possibility," said IFAB's technical director, David Elleray,

"But we have to remember that this is the first experience some of these referees have had with video assistance.

"Checking replays, communication between the officials and then the review itself can take time when it’s a completely new situation for them," added the former referee.

"With further training for those taking part in the live trials around the world...we should see the speed of the review process continue to improve."

The technology is being used on a trial basis by FIFA at the Club World Cup. It involves off-field cameras or VAR’s monitoring the game to correct “clear mistakes in match-changing situations" like goals, penalty decisions, red cards and mistaken identity.