Hi-tech help for bumbling referees

World Cup referees are making a lot of mistakes.

Sometimes these errors can change the outcome of a match. For example, in the Belgium v Brazil game on June 17, the Belgians had a goal disallowed. During the action replays viewed from a number of different angles, it became clear that the goal was legitimate.

The referees have a difficult job and they need some help from FIFA.

The solution I propose is simple. Give each referee a pocket-sized, battery-operated screen, connected to the cameras in the stadium. If a referee is unsure about a decision he has made, he can stop play for a few seconds, watch the playback and then make a final decision.

This instant replay policy might also discourage players from diving.

ANGELO PARATICO