The biggest non-corruption, non-racism debate facing international soccer over the past few years has been goal-line technology. Should soccer use it? Does it sully the purity of the game? We'll answer those questions for you... right now. Yes, and no.
Unfortunately, international soccer is governed by corrupt old white dudes, and those sorts of folks typically HATE technology. None more so than UEFA president Michel Platini. The Independent's Patrick Barclay met with Platini in Poland, where goal-line technology has once again become a major conversation topic thanks to Ukraine's non-goal/goal against England in the group stage of Euro 2012 that would have tied the match. What does Platini think of the latest incident that supports the need for goal-line technology? It's horseshit.
Barclay begins his video segment (h/t Grant Wahl) "Michel, as everybody knows, has a problem with goal-line technology," to which Platini responds quickly, "No, I have a problem with technology." Oh, well, glad that's cleared up! It's not just goal-line technology Platini has a problem with; it's ALL technology.
Platini's argument is the same logical fallacy that inhibits progress in areas as varied as soccer, human rights and international development. That is to say, Platini employs the "slippery slope" narrative: If we allow goal-line technology, where will technology's invasion end? Pretty soon we'll have robots playing each other, right?
The slippery slope argument demonstrates a surprising lack of creative thinking from someone who is supposed to be a caretaker of the sport. Duhhh, how will we ever stop technology if we use what's available to us now?! It's an absurd argument, but one that wields tremendous influence over the game.
Platini will eventually be overruled by the other powers that be in international soccer. Ukraine's goal, which was cleared from beyond the line by racist philanderer John Terry, was all the suasion FIFA president Sepp Blatter needed to change his position on the technology, and we'll likely see it implemented at the next World Cup.
For now, though, let's all laugh at Michel Platini's conservative mindset and poor rhetorical skills.
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Follow on Ology: Anthony Schneck | Euro 2012
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[The Independent]
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