Survey says football fans want goal line technology

Last updated : 17 March 2009 By FF Writer
Now in its second year, the survey was conducted via Clydesdale Bank's dedicated football website www.cbfootball.co.uk. It is one of the largest surveys of Scottish football fans and focuses exclusively on the CBPL.

Over 2,500 fans - more than double last year's response - completed the survey which asked for their views on a range of topics including supporter demographics, matchday attendance, fans' expectations, rules and regulations and CBPL in the community.

The key findings include:
· The possible use of technology was embraced by CBPL fans
o 81.8% supported the introduction of goal line technology
o 80.0% backed the use of video replays during matches
o 88.3% supported the idea of 'miking' referees as they do in rugby

· 60.8% suggested they would welcome the return of a winter break yet over 80% of respondents were against the use of artificial surfaces in the CBPL

· The three most popular reasons for not attending more CBPL matches were economic in nature
o Cost of tickets (47.2%)
o Work commitments (37.4%)
o Travel costs (35.6%)

· The majority of fans did not cite televised CBPL football as a reason not to attend more matches
o Not attending because a match was on TV polled only 16.3% across all 12 clubs
o Not attending due to moved kick off times, a direct consequence of live football on TV, attracted a similarly low total, 14.3%

· Live CBPL football was watched by 91.2% of respondents - a rise of over 10% on last year's figure
o 70% watched at home
o 38.8% in pubs/supporters clubs
o 7.9% at a friends/relatives house.

Commenting on the survey, Clydesdale Bank's Retail Director Steve Reid said:
"The response to this season's survey has been excellent. The fact that more than twice as many fans contributed this time around demonstrates the strength of opinions that exist regarding many aspects of the Scottish game.

Lex Gold, Executive Chairman of the SPL said:
"Football is a game of opinions and this survey gives Scottish fans a great chance to voice their views. Debate is healthy and helps to develop ideas to move the game in this country forward."

Regarding the strong support from respondents for the introduction of goal line technology, he added:
"I am a great supporter of the concept of goal line technology and am disappointed that UEFA and FIFA have chosen not to move this forward."

The Executive Chairman of the SPL also commented on the positive perception of SPL clubs within their local communities:
"It is also pleasing to see that the fans recognise the good work our clubs do in their communities."

Reacting to the survey's general support for the introduction of technology, former referee Hugh Dallas said:
"The idea of goal line technology is of course music to referee's ears. If proven to be successful, it would assist the match officials greatly in making decisions on what are, in some cases, impossible judgements.

"That said there are a number of issues to be considered regarding the use of technology in football. What are the cost implications? Would the technology be available for every match, at every level of Scottish football? If only some grounds have the technology, is that an even playing field for the competition? Clearly it's an issue that requires careful consideration."

Former professional footballer Scott Booth, match analyst and co-commentator with Setanta Sports, and he wasn't surprised by the results and commented on the possible return of a winter break:
"It's interesting to see such strong support for the return of some form of winter break to the SPL season. From a player's perspective a mid season break is very appealing as it offers the chance to get over any niggling injuries and recuperate in preparation for the crucial second half of season."

Colin Davidson, Head of Production UK at Setanta Sports said:
"It's great for Scottish football in general that more and more people are tuning in to watch live Clydesdale Bank Premier League games. What's more, it's extremely encouraging to see that this rise doesn't appear to have had an adverse effect on match attendance across the 12 clubs."