Simon Mignolet: Andy Carroll Foul Shows Need For Video Technology

Simon Mignolet West Ham Liverpool Simon Mignolet’s personal experience prompted him to take a stance on one of soccer’s hotly debated issues on Sunday.

Mignolet says referee Anthony Taylor should have disallowed West Ham’s goal in Liverpool’s 2-1 victory because West Ham striker Andy Carroll fouled him just before Guy Demel scored.

As Mignolet attempted to catch a corner kick in first-half stoppage time, Carroll barged into the Liverpool goalkeeper, causing him to drop the ball in front of his goal. It fell to Demel, who tapped it in.

Mignolet told LiverpoolFC.com that soccer authorities should consider allowing referees to use video evidence to ensure they make the right call in games’ decisive moments.

“I think everybody saw clearly that I was fouled when I collected the ball,” Mignolet said. “I’ll never judge a decision made by a referee because I know how difficult their job is, but I think this is a great example of why we might need to think about bringing video images into the game to help the referees out in these situations.”

Taylor allowed the goal after a lengthy conference with his assistant despite the protests of Liverpool players.

“I think the debate between the linesman and the referee after the incident on Sunday took longer (than video images).”

Steven Gerrard scored the game-winning goal from the penalty spot in the second half. While the win took the Reds back to the top of the Premier League standings, Mignolet momentarily reflected on what could have been.

“By drawing or even losing the game, it would have stopped our good run going, at least two points would have been dropped and it would have been a major setback mentally. Now it’s only one goal more conceded and a clean sheet less.”

Mignolet joins the chorus calling for increased use of technology by soccer referees. It remains to be seen whether their arguments are influencing the right people.