Just What Newcastle Wanted - Thank You Chelsea!

16 April 2012 09:37
With Chelsea's mind elsewhere (Champions League and FA Cup) it looks like a straight forward fight between Spurs and Newcastle for that fourth Champions League spot.

And Chelsea did Newcastle a major favour yesterday by adding MORE woe to Tottenham manager Harry 'The Bung' Redknapp current plight.

Spurs have hit a horror run of form ... just at the right time for the Geordies ... who have won their last five league games.

Redknapp hit out at referee Martin Atkinson after he gave a controversial goal in their FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea ... then the Blues took them to the cleaners!

Chelsea were in control of the contest at Wembley 1-0 thanks to Didier Drogba's first-half opener, then Atkinson awarded the Blues a second through Juan Mata in the 48th minute.

The Spaniard shot goalwards through a crowded penalty box, but with defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Mata's team-mate John Terry both on the turf, the ball was unable to cross the line.

Redknapp: "The second goal was a disaster.

"It was nowhere near a goal. It was a huge mistake.

"We looked too open after that and they picked us off. It was key.

"He's (Atkinson) made a big mistake. I don't see how he can give the goal. It's nowhere near over the line.

"There were bodies on the line and the ball couldn't possibly get over the line.

"He must have (guessed). He can't have been sure.

"I spoke to him. He says he feels worse than I do. I said: 'I don't think so'.

"He knows he's made a mistake and he says he'll have a bad week as well.

"Goal-line technology has to come into the game. You can't keep having situations like that."

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo: "Apparently it didn't cross the line. I can understand the frustration, but I don't know how much it would have mattered because today we scored five, not two.

"We believe there was a penalty in our favour in the home game in the league (against Spurs), on Ramires and we didn't get it.

"Sometimes you get a decision. Other times you don't."

Chelsea captain John Terry: "I thought it hit me and stayed out but I haven't seen it on the replays.

"We've been calling for goal-line technology for a very long time.

"Let's hope that people make the right decisions.

"It was an important game today and fortunately it went our way. Throughout the season things go with you and go against you and today it's gone with us and we're delighted.

"I thought we were the better side and scored some great goals."

It is seven years since Jose Mourinho described a goal scored by Liverpool's Luis Garcia against his Chelsea side in a Champions League semi-final as: 'A goal that came from the moon.'

TOP FIVE 'GHOST GOALS'

Luis Garcia: Liverpool v Chelsea, 2005

In a Champions League semi-final, Liverpool's Luis Garcia sent his side through when his hooked effort was awarded by referee Lubos Michel, despite Chelsea defender William Gallas claiming he had cleared it from under the bar. Liverpool progressed to win the final, with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho left to say: "It was a goal from the moon or the Anfield Road stand, I don't know where."

Frank Lampard: England v Germany, 2010

World Cup ties with England and Germany are always tense and this was no different. With England reeling from an early German barrage, they thought they were back in the game when Frank Lampard took aim from 20 yards and appeared to score when the ball bounced down off the bar. The officials disagreed and, although replays showed Lampard had scored, Germany went on to win 4-1.

Frank Lampard: Chelsea v Tottenham, 2011

Chelsea midfielder Lampard was involved again, this time profiting from a decision. His edge-of-the-box strike was fumbled by Heurelho Gomes and, although the keeper scrambled back to halt the ball on the line, a goal was given. "It's not the linesman's fault," said Spurs manager Harry Redknapp. "He's not done it purposefully, looking to give Chelsea a goal. But if you're in doubt you shouldn't give it. He's gambled."

John Eustace own goal: Watford v Reading, 2008

An innocuous Reading corner hit Watford midfielder John Eustace and flew wide of the goal. Play broke down and the players returned to their positions, only for referee Stuart Atwell to wrongly believe the ball had hit Eustace and gone in.

Clint Hill: Bolton v QPR, 2012

In a battle between two relegation-haunted sides, Clint Hill thought he had given QPR the lead when he headed a Joey Barton cross in. Goalkeeper Adam Bogdan scrambled behind his line to save and, although replays showed Hill had scored, linesman Bob Pollock assured referee Martin Atkinson he had not and Bolton went on to win.

 

Source: FOOTYMAD