The Italian coach who changed Fergie's view

Although something of an eccentric, Mazzone is an endearing figure famous for leading lowly Ascoli from Serie C to Serie A.

He's the oldest personality in the Italian game and, after 35 years in the dugout with 10 clubs, has status and influence. His proposal has been greeted sympathetically by many.

In recent months the former Roma and Fiorentina manager has campaigned for TV replays after seeing his side lose points and players following wrong decisions.

Although he has a reputation for fiery bust ups with officials, TV evidence has invariably proved him right in his long career.

Earlier this season, after TV replays showed one of his players was wrongly sent off, he said: "I don't understand why we don't use TV.

"I'm all for replays. If something is not clear then the referee or another official can look at the replay.

"If after a 30-second stop it is still not clear, then play continues. There should not be an automatic booking or red card or foul given.

"This would not be a waste of time - but the scenes you get around a referee when a controversial decision is made are, and this would avoid those scenes.

"I am appealing to all those involved in Italian football: why don't we have replays?

"If we want to relieve the psychological pressure that is on referees we should use replays. What better and quicker way is there for a decision to be interpreted than by a television replay?

"In England the manager sits in the stands with an earpiece talking to the bench. They pass on tactics and advice to the bench so that changes can be made.

"In the same way I don't understand why a referee can't be overseen by television. If there is something not clear then time can be taken to check the replay.

"If it's not clear, then the game continues, but at least that option would be available.

"A few years ago the Italian Cup was used to experiment with double referees. Why don't we use it again for TV replays?

"There is so much at stake in football these days - the wrong decision could get a club relegated and cost them millions."

My own feeling is that in matters of fact - ie did the ball cross the line? - an instant video verdict would be of enormous benefit.

A camera on the goalline, for instance, would probably have avoided the greatest of all such controversies, when Geoff Hurst's goal in the 1966 World Cup Final struck the underside of the bar at Wembley and bounced down on the line.

Despite the protests of the West German players, the Swiss referee Gottfried Dienst gave the goal after consulting his Soviet linesman, Tofik Bakhramov.

"A goalline camera would have avoided all the controversy," said Hurst. "I believe video technology would be helpful to referees in some cases, providing the process was unobtrusive and didn't impinge too much on the natural flow of the game."