Oriel Romeu calls for video technology after Southampton defeat

Posted Tuesday, February 28, 2017 by Skysports.com

Oriel Romeu calls for video technology after Southampton defeat
Oriol Romeu was dejected at losing the EFL Cup final with Southampton

Oriol Romeu has called for the introduction of video technology after Manolo Gabbiadini's goal was ruled out in the EFL Cup final.

The Italian found the net after just 11 minutes of Southampton's meeting with Manchester United at Wembley.

Gabbiadini's effort was disallowed for offside, however, when replays showed he had scored legally.

Southampton felt that moment changed the game which Manchester United went on to win 3-2 courtesy of Zlatan Ibrahimovic's late header.

Ironically, the match venue is where the International Football Association Board will discuss video technology at their 131st annual meeting this Friday.

Romeu hopes changes can be made to cut out such crucial errors and said: "I think that makes a massive difference in the game.

"All players will agree we want the truth to be part and to be real in the game. If it's a goal, it has to count. If it's not, it can't count.

"Sometimes it can make a massive difference in a final because leading 1-0 will change dramatically the game in the other side.

"We all want to make it clear and to have it better for all the players and for all the referees and for everyone."

Live video trials were given the go-ahead by the IFAB last March, with experimentation of technology that could assist officials with game-changing decisions beginning no later than the 2017-18 season.

Asked if he thinks every player would want it brought in, Romeu added: "Oh definitely, they will agree. The goal disallowed is something that happens and we cannot do anything about it.

"Also the referees play their part and sometimes make mistakes and sometimes they're all right. We cannot say anything, we all make mistakes.

"About the feelings, they are difficult, it's a difficult game to take because it's a final, you're so close to winning a trophy, it's hard to lose in the last two or three minutes of the game."

Although Ibrahimovic's excellent form continued in London, Gabbiadini showed his potential as he got both of Southampton's goals in their defeat.

Romeu said: "Since he came to the club he's been very good, amazing. He scored a lot of goals. As a team-mate, we just want to make him happy to make him keep playing like that and to keep scoring.

"Not many had seen him play before but now, since he came here, he's been very good. Every time he has a chance he puts the ball in. That's what we want, that's what we need and we're very happy."