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London - Manchester City's Yaya Toure has welcomed the trial
of video referees in next season's FA Cup after landing himself in hot water
with his comments following his side's defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
The Ivorian was critical of the performance of Craig Pawson
and the other match officials in City's 2-1 defeat to the Gunners in the
semi-finals of England's Premier Cup competition.
The 33-year-old midfielder was dismayed over the decision
not to award Sergio Aguero a penalty, as well as another incident in which the
striker's goal was disallowed after it was incorrectly ruled that a cross in
the lead-up to the shot had gone out of play.
Speaking to the media after the match, Toure admitted that
he was aware that the FA is likely to review his comments, but added that he is
looking forward to playing under fair conditions in which a referee's decision
cannot influence the result of the match directly.
"When you lose in a fair way… there have been a couple
of games we have been losing, like against Monaco where Monaco were deserved
winners," he said.
"But this was quite strange and disappointing as well.
It is going to be difficult to forget this game because I am very, very angry.
"I don't know how to express myself because if I say
something wrong the FA is going to bring a big charge. I have to be careful.
"Football is like this - you win, you lose, but
sometimes it is difficult when you think it is unfair.
"When the referee makes mistakes you respect them. They work hard and it's not easy for them sometimes.
"Next season they are going to put in cameras
[technology] and they have to. [We need] a couple of spots where they put the
video to tell the referees if it's a penalty or a goal.
"It is better because that is fair. When it is a goal
and after you look at it - the referee said no, how can you forget that? What
can we do?
"Did you think Pep Guardiola accepted to lose the game?
If the referee decides against us, what are we to do?
"I think the referee has to come now and give their point of view as well. It's too easy for them."
