FA reiterates technology stance

The Football Association has reiterated the hope that goal-line technology will be introduced.

Controversy reigned once more during Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final between Tottenham and Chelsea when referee Martin Atkinson ruled that Juan Mata’s strike had crossed the line.

But TV replays showed the ball clearly had not, much to the fury of Spurs players and manager Harry Redknapp.

The FA have now issued a plea for the technology to be brought in and will wait for a decision from the International Football Association Board in July to see if it will be introduced.

An FA statement read: “The FA has led the calls at IFAB (International Football Association Board) for the introduction of Goal Line Technology for over a decade, and we reiterate our desire to see it introduced as soon as possible.

“No other single body has called as strongly for its introduction as The FA.

“The FA is not responsible for the introduction of Goal Line Technology in isolation and awaits the outcome of the next IFAB meeting on July 2.”

The organisation also admitted they were ‘heartened’ to hear goal-line technology is in its final test stages as they look to improve the much-maligned decision making across the country.

“The FA has been consistent supporters of the introduction of goal-line technology for over a decade,” an FA spokesman told Sky Sports.

“We are heartened that we are now in the final stages of testing with IFAB due to take a final decision on July 2.”

Meanwhile, Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor believes poor decisions are “killing the game”.

The Togo international admitted he is frustrated by the number of wrong calls this season and feels it is time to bring in technology to help the officials.

“To be honest, we have to blame the referee,” he told Sky Sports.

“I think we have done well and he has made a lot of mistakes and made a lot of wrong decisions. We are all disappointed. But what do you want me to tell you?

“How many goals scored this season were disallowed that were onside? To be honest, I’m just tired of it and everyone is talking about goal-line technology.

“They have to make something happen because it’s killing the league, it’s killing the FA Cup, it’s killing the game, it’s killing everything.”

The striker felt particularly aggrieved by the decision not to send Petr Cech off after he brought down the 28-year-old when through on goal.

Referee Atkinson played advantage as Gareth Bale picked up the ball and scored but Adebayor admitted he would have rather seen the Chelsea keeper sent off and a penalty awarded.

He added: “That is the thing, he caught me, he should have given a red card and penalty and to be honest, you have to blame him – he made a lot mistakes and a lot of wrong decisions.”