It’s a far cry from the origins of the game but these days technology and football go hand in hand. The introduction of goal line technology, where real time decisions are impacted, has changed the face of it irreversibly and, in my opinion, absolutely positively. No longer is the referee or assistant referee left unaided as he makes a split second decision, which could effect the outcome of the game; while any serious incident that goes unnoticed by the referee during the game can be referred to an independent panel, in the week following, using video footage. This allows them to decide if there is to be any retrospective punishment for those involved. And even though the debate continues over the usage of it for more real time decisions, as time goes by I see it playing a larger role in other critical decisions – similar to how it is currently used in rugby.
For the fans, technology is also crucial. We have all had times where we can’t be at a match or it is not being televised – our smart phone is hardly out of our hands looking for live updates. Not only for our own team but to see how everyone else is doing and hoping that results go as we would like. Sometimes the 3G connection might let you down and it will feel like a carrier pigeon would be faster in delivering the information to you, but overall we’d be lost without it.
Technology gave birth to social media, which brings us closer to our heroes and players in a way that feels a bit more personal. Transfers, updates on players, good news and bad news seems to break on Twitter etc, faster than any other outlet and the effect is that you always feel informed. There is, however, a dark side to this. A side that showed itself in full this week when the tragic news broke, that Rio Ferdinand’s wife, Rebecca, had lost her battle with breast cancer. The football world united in paying its respects and passing on condolences to Rio and his family. Rio’s teammates, past and present, as well as players who he has battled against for most of his footballing career, all showed the respect they have for him through their public sympathies.
Respect however, is not mandatory on social media. People hide behind their profiles and post whatever they want. Some of these imbeciles (and I wish I could use a stronger word than that) posted some absolutely disgusting messages about this sad news. I will not quote any of them here as they have already achieved what they wanted in getting the attention they have so far – but suffice to say, I don’t care who you support, who you dislike most in football or who you couldn’t give a toss about – this news goes beyond football, this news is about human loss.
And because of it, it is a time for the upmost respect for a man and his family as well as a time to be grateful for the loved ones we are lucky enough to have around us. Nobody ever wants this news to knock on their door.
So respect technology, don’t be a troll and no matter who you support remember that we are all human.
My sincerest sympathies go to Rio and his family.
#Respect #RIPRebecca
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