Wenger Wants Premier League to Introduce Video Technology

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has demanded that video technology be introduced in the Premier League, to allow referees to make the right decisions after consulting replays. The call comes in the wake of a number of high-profile referee errors in recent games.

The French boss, who has been a long-time advocate of the technology, made reference to errors in the past week which saw Chelsea being awarded two offside goals against Wigan and Manchester United being denied a clear penalty during their 0-1 loss to the Latics.

"Last weekend was a very, very bad weekend. The football authorities on a global scale have to sit together and see how we can improve. There are some immediate decisions to make but as well it is time for us to help the referees. To all be united and have a less conservative approach and finally opt for video," said Wenger, according to a Daily Mail report.

"Video will help the referees, not question their authority. It will give them more credit, more authority and less mistakes. (We need) instant video replays on the demand of the referee," he added.

Meanwhile, FIFA President Sepp Blatter's main concern about introducing this technology is that it could slow down the game; something Wenger does not believe will happen.

"It would not stop the game. It would sometimes give a bigger flow to the game. Why? Because if I am a linesman and an offside decision is a 50-50 I'm tempted to stop the game. If I know I have a video behind me I am tempted to let it go if I'm convinced it is a real 50-50 and you could improve the flow of the game and check after," he added.

"Football is the first sport in the world today but we have to accept we have the most conservative approach to the game than any other sport. It can be a strength but on the refereeing side I think it is a weakness," he added. Wenger also feels more referees should be recruited for league games.

"I don't think referees are bad. I just think the game is so quick. It is impossible for a human being to see everything no matter how good you are. Out of 100 situations [with instant videos] you would be less wrong than you would be today because you would have help," the Guardian quoted Wenger as saying.

Arsenal, who registered a comfortable 3-0 victory in their last game against the Wolves, face Wigan Athletic at the Emirates on Monday.