Luis Melville of Westside Radio caught up with Nikki Bull a few days ago and spoke to him specifically regarding last week's contentious decision which attributed Southend with a goal and the argument for having goal line technology.
Luis Melville: What was your view on the decision?
Nikki Bull: Well I was clear then and I am clear now. It didn't cross the line. I am not disputing my feet were behind the line but I clearly held the ball out in front of me and for me it wasn't a goal. It was probably one of the most surreal moments of my career to date. I was looking to get on with the game and either throw or kick the ball out and all off a sudden I see the Assistant Referee flagging and I assumed it was for something 'off the ball' and it didn't sink in that he had given a goal for about 5 seconds. Obviously, it was disappointing. I think at half time that the referee or the assistant referee was told there was some doubt over the goal and they were quite apologetic to me saying that they might have got it wrong. Unfortunately, it doesn't do anything for me or the team.
LM: What did you say to the assistant referee on the way in at half time?
NB: I said to him decisions like that can affect people's careers. I came to this Club in the summer and I have worked really hard to get into the team. Once I get into the team something like this happens and it could have all types of consequences. I was quite pleased with the way I reacted because I could have crumbled but I tried to keep my focus and get through the game the best I could. I went to see the officials afterwards and their attitude was that they were sorry and that if they have made a mistake then they would try and learn from it. It doesn't really take away the mistake that has been made. Fortunately for us it didn't affect the outcome and we got the 3 points but if it had done then it is a big mistake.
LM: There is a lot of talk about goal line technology but the reality is that it is not going to make its way down to League 1 or 2 levels.What do you think the answers are?
NB: I am not sure but something has to be done. We saw it in the Bristol City v Crystal Palace game where the ball was clearly over the line but wasn't given. I do think the officials need some help but you're right; what technology do you use and where do you draw the line? If you bring it in at League 1 level then it has to come in at League 2 level and where is the money going to come to pay for all that. It is a difficult one but is hard to take when you are on the receiving end.
