FA urges goal-line technology after Mata furore

The Football Association renewed a call Monday for the introduction of goal-line technology after a disputed goal in the FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Tottenham.The move came after Chelsea went 2-0 up in Sunday's tie when Juan Mata's low shot hit a tangle of bodies on the Spurs' goal-line. Referee Martin Atkinson awarded a goal but television replays appeared to show that the ball had not crossed the line.The sport's world governing body FIFA will soon begin testing versions of the technology and the International FA Board is to decide on July 2 whether to introduce it.The FA said it hoped it would give the green light to its use, saying that it "has led the calls at IFAB for the introduction of goal-line technology for over a decade and we reiterate our desire to see it introduce as soon as possible"."No other single body has called as strongly for its introduction as the FA," it said in a statement.Chelsea eventually won the match 5-1, setting up a final tie with Liverpool, who beat Merseyside rivals Everton 2-1 on Saturday.A number of Chelsea players, including captain John Terry, admitted that the second goal should not have been given, while Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said the incident demonstrated the need for technology to determine disputed calls."We can't keep going on like we're going at the moment with important decisions not being correct. The referees don't make mistakes purposely. It's a difficult job. He (Atkinson) obviously felt it was a goal," Redknapp said.FIFA president Sepp Blatter changed his long-held opposition to technology following the 2010 World Cup incident when Chelsea's England midfielder Frank Lampard was denied a clear goal against Germany.

Source: AFP