Technology 'must be seriously considered' - Lawlor

Gerard Lawlor believes the use of technology in the future should be considered

Northern Ireland Football League [NIFL] chairman Gerard Lawlor has suggested that technology should be "seriously considered" to assist match officials in making decisions following the controversy at Windsor Park on Saturday which saw Linfield awarded a goal when the ball appeared not to have crossed the line.

An assistant referee raised his flag to signal a goal when Matthew Fitzpatrick got on the end of Kyle McClean's ball and Ports goalkeeper Aaron McCarey looked to have kept the ball out.

The goal was Linfield's second in a 3-0 win over their opponents.

After the game, Portadown manager Niall Currie said he was "completely baffled" by the decision and was left "scratching his head".

Responding to the incident on social media, Lawlor said there was "no doubt" that the decision was "a howler" but added that "mistakes can actually open the door for change".

"Frustrating, and it shouldn't happen, but it did," reflected the NIFL chairman.

"Before jumping on those involved, let's remember they're human. They've got feelings, families, and it's easy for faceless accounts to pile in, criticise and of course be abusing.

"Credit to Niall Currie too for how professional he was in his post match interviews. Honestly, I've seen more good performances from refs this season than bad ones, but yes, mistakes have happened.

"We all love giving our opinions, and that's part of football, but as authorities we have a responsibility to make sure lessons are learned, improvements are made, and referees get the support they need."

Lawlor added that discussions would now take place between NIFL and the Irish FA to examine the best way forward to improve match officiating.

"As a league, we'll try to sit down with the Irish FA to talk this through.

"Personally, I think it's time for a fresh structure for our senior refs, proper investment, and while not always popular, maybe technology must now be seriously considered."