News

Harry Redknapp calls for goalline technology after bad call proved costly for Spurs
Harry Redknapp has voiced his frustration after Tottenham lost their important lead over Chelsea following a linesman's dubious call.
Following the game, which Spurs went on to lose 2-1, their manager pointed out that the technology exists to quickly make a call on unclear goalline decisions and that the technology needs to be rolled out.
Tottenham goalie Heurelho Gomes' pathetic attempt to gather the ball following a shot by Frank Lampard just before half-time, followed by a scramble by Gomes to pull the ball back from the line, was then followed by a dodgy decision by linesman Mike Cairns that led to the referee awarding the goal, thereby levelling the scoreline at half time.
Replays suggested the entire ball had not crossed the line, with Spurs' sense of injustice further inflamed when Salomon Kalou scored a late winner from an offside position.
"The linesman's made a call, an honest judgment, but he's guessed," Redknapp said.
"He's on the 18-yard line when the ball's on the goalline, so it's impossible to judge. He's had a guess and he's guessed wrong, an honest mistake. But until we get technology, it'll keep happening.
"When Frank Lampard can hit a shot that goes two feet over the line [against Germany in last summer's World Cup knock-out match] and it's not given, why aren't we using the technology? People say it'll take the fun out of the game, but the game is about getting decisions right.
"It's not the linesman's fault. He's not done it purposefully, looking to give Chelsea a goal.
"But if you're in doubt you shouldn't give it. He's gambled. The crowd have gone up and he's thought: 'Yes, it must be a goal.' You do tend to get decisions like that at home. But he's guessed.
"The technology is there. It takes seconds to tell, looking at a replay. Why can't the fourth official, instead of telling me to get back into my box, watch a screen and say: 'no goal'. It takes seconds."
Chelsea's win over Spurs kept them in contention for the Premier League, three points behind table toppers Manchester United ahead of Sunday's game between Arsenal and United at the Emirates.
- Sign in with JOE
- Connect with Facebook
- Sign in with Twitter