Sarkozy aid demands video technology

The spokesman for French president Nicolas Sarkozy's UMP party on Saturday urged Uefa president Michel Platini to introduce video technology in the wake of the Thierry Henry handball row.

"Video is a necessary step towards irreproachability," wrote Frederic Lefebvre in a message published on the social networking website Facebook.

"Why deny such progress in a world that has changed? Rugby and tennis can't be wrong and they've both introduced it recently.

"Referees end up embarrassing themselves and I feel for the referee in the France-Ireland match, who was allowed to make an error.

"I know that your main argument is commendable - equality between professional and amateur sport. But the result, you know well, is that referees are respected less and less in stadiums at the weekend.

"It falls to you now... to explain your position, which is so incomprehensible to millions of lovers of the round ball."

Platini, formerly a distinguished France international, has always been opposed to the introduction of video replays to assist on-pitch officials, saying it would "kill the game" and preferring to trust in "human" officiating.

France qualified for the 2010 World Cup by drawing 1-1 with the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday, after France captain Henry set up the decisive goal with a blatant handball that was not seen by the officials.

That result, after France's 1-0 playoff first leg win, gave the 1998 world champions a 2-1 aggregate win and their pass to South Africa.