| Along with other managers, the Dundee United boss was heading for Hampden later today for a meeting with top refs at which a range of issues were being discussed.
His last visit to the national stadium, just a couple of weeks back, cost him £5000 when he was fined for his criticism of ref. Mike McCurry’s error-strewn performance when United lost at Rangers in May.
Prior to his arrival today, Craig admitted he expected this trip to be less expensive and, hopefully, far more constructive.
If the latter has been the case, he believes the real beneficiaries will be the match officials themselves.
“I do not know exactly what the format is, but there are a couple of points I would like to make if I’m allowed,” he said as he headed west.
“And for me, if there is one change that should be made it is the use of video to review the big calls in games.
“I’m not talking every single decision, but things like whether or not the ball has crossed the goal-line, penalties and sendings off should be reviewed.”
In the past, argument against such a move has focused on how time consuming it would be, but Craig feels modern technology’s use in other sports has shown that is no longer an issue.
“If you look at our penalty claim against Celtic on Sunday, the game probably stopped for something like a minute as our players argued with the ref. about it.
“If that had been referred to a video review it could have been dealt with in about 10-15 seconds, so it would have saved time instead of wasting it.
“And I really do believe it is a no brainer and something that would help the referees most.
“Surely, from their point of view, it would be better to wait 15 seconds and get the call right instead of the way it is now when they wait a day and then have to apologise on a website.”
Despite his recent costly run-in, Craig is a supporter of referees and believes meeting like this should be regular events.
“I think it’s a good idea because we have to work together and it is better if we do that professionally and get along.”
After the meeting, he was staying at Hampden to take in the Scotland-Northern Ireland friendly.
Young United striker Johnny Russell has joined Forfar on loan till the end of the year. |
