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Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand against goal-line technology

Ferdinand against goal-line technology
© PA Photos
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says that he is against the introduction of goal-line technology.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has said that he is against the introduction of goal-line technology.

The Premier League ­will become the world's first domestic division to use a Hawk-Eye system this season.

Hawk-Eye, which has been installed in every top-flight ground, will definitively rule whether or not the ball has entered the goal.

However, Ferdinand is not a fan of introducing technology to make key decisions as he fears that it may put an end to an entertaining debate.

"Change is a word I don't like in football," Ferdinand told The People. "It is such a great sport and we are always trying to find ways to change it. Why? It has great traditions.

"Even goal-line technology, I don't agree with it. Incidents like that add to the game because it runs into radio phone-ins, people talk about it in the pub and in other media. Was it a goal or wasn't it?

"People end up disappointed in those situations, but it is swings and roundabouts."

Ferdinand was on the pitch at Old Trafford when Tottenham Hotspur were controversially denied a late winner in January 2005.

Referee Mark Clattenburg and his assistants failed to notice that Pedro Mendes's long-range shot had crossed the line by almost one metre and the game ended 0-0.

Ferdinand added: "Tottenham scored a goal against us once – it more or less hit the net – but it wasn't given.

"That happens sometimes and you take it on the chin. People are too quick to try to spice up the game. I say leave it as it is."

Tottenham are considered to be one of England's unluckiest sides when it comes to goal-line decisions. In addition to Mendes's disallowed goal, the White Hart Lane outfit have conceded 'ghosts goals' in two separate matches against London rivals Chelsea in the past three seasons.

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