Harry Redknapp branded the Wembley pitch a "disgrace" after Tottenham were dumped out of the FA Cup with a 2-0 defeat after extra-time by Portsmouth.
Players slipped on the treacherous surface throughout a semi-final that was brought alive by extra-time goals from Frederic Piquionne and Kevin-Prince Boateng. The turf had a decisive role to play in the opener with defender Michael Dawson slipping as he attempted to prevent Piquionne from shooting.
"The pitch is a disgrace, a disgrace. I won't use the pitch as a excuse because it was the same for both teams," said Redknapp.
"But for any professional team to have to play football on that is farcical. How can you play on a pitch you can't stand up on?
"You have to spend the whole time making sure you don't fall over. That can't be right can it? It's farcical."
Despite venting his anger at the controversial Wembley turf that was heavily marked in some areas, Redknapp refused to blame it for the defeat.
Spurs missed a host of chances with Peter Crouch the worst offender, although the England striker did have a goal disallowed after Niko Kranjcar shoved David James in the build up.
"It wasn't our day, sometimes it isn't. We had opportunities but we couldn't stick one away," said Redknapp.
"It was a good goal that we had disallowed, I've watched it four or five times but that's how it goes.
"Full credit to Avram Grant. He's done a great job because they were well set up and organised. It was their day. I wish them every success in the final."
Source: PA
