Calls grow for use of goal-line technology
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E-mail Shanghai Daily, April 17, 2012
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Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur players block a shot from Chelsea's Juan Mata, which was controversially awarded as a goal, during their English FA Cup semifinal at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday. |
The English Football Association has again called for the introduction of goal-line technology after a disputed goal in the FA Cup semifinal between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
The call came after Chelsea went 2-0 up in Sunday's clash at Wembley 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 won 5-1, setting up a final with Liverpool, which beat Merseyside rival Everton 2-1 on Saturday.
A number of Chelsea players 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.
Mata's goal added to Didier Drogba's superb opener just before halftime and although Gareth Bale pulled a goal back in the 56th, Chelsea sealed victory through classy strikes by Ramires, Frank Lampard and Florent Malouda.
In the Premier League, Wayne Rooney scored twice as Manchester United thrashed Aston Villa 4-0 to restore its five-point advantage over crosstown rival Manchester City at the top.
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