Controversy:
Video replays clearly show the ball didn't cross the line after
Gomes spilled Lampard's shot
Harry Redknapp renewed
the call for goalline technology to be introduced after Tottenham
slipped to a controversial defeat that could end their chances of a
securing a lucrative Champions League place.
Neither of Chelsea's goals
should have stood, but Redknapp was angry in particular about the
45th-minute equaliser, scored by his nephew Frank Lampard, that was
awarded despite never crossing the line after a bad fumble by Spurs
goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.
With FIFA now committed at
least to researching the possibility of using technology, though
not TV replays, and with the Premier League sources last night
reiterating their desire for the world governing body to speed up
the process, Redknapp added force to the argument, especially with
£30million riding on fourth place. Spurs are now four points behind
Manchester City in fifth, having played a game more.
'The linesman's made an honest
judgment, but he's guessed,' said Redknapp.
'He had to, because it's
impossible to judge. He's had a guess and he's got it wrong. He
didn't do it because he wanted Chelsea to win, but we need the
technology.
'People say, "But that takes
all the fun out of the game". But how's that fun? Getting decisions
wrong and giving goals that shouldn't be given?
'It could cost us £30m, but
what can we do? He's given a goal. Joe Jordan and Clive Allen were
arguing on the touchline but I said that there's no point. It's a
goal, he's awarded it.
Late drama: Salomon Kalou (L) beats Aaron Lennon to
score the winner
'Perhaps if you're in
doubt, you shouldn't give it, but he's had to take a gamble. The
crowd are all shouting, everyone's looking at him, and it's
difficult. You know as well as I do how easy it would be to
introduce replays. I've seen it in press boxes and the like before,
four or five seconds, and you've got one.
'Rather than the fourth
official hurrying around telling people to get back in the
technical area, he could just watch and see what happened.
Everybody who understands football wants them introduced. They have
to.
'We could make it easier for
the officials. It's not his fault , he's not done it on purpose,
but because he's right out there on the touchline, looking a long
way across to the goal, and he's got to make a decision that's
impossible to make. From that distance, it's
impossible.'
