Redknapp demands goal-line technology

Harry Redknapp has called for the introduction of goal-line technology following the controversy surrounding Chelsea’s opening goal in the 2-1 defeat of Tottenham.

Spurs manager Redknapp was left frustrated when Frank Lampard’s shot was adjudged to have crossed the line after being spilled by keeper Heurelho Gomes.

Television replays showed the decision to award a goal was wrong and the manager now believes the case for change is clear, pointing out that Lampard was denied a clear goal in similar circumstances when playing for England against Germany in the 2010 World Cup finals.

“The linesman’s made a call, an honest judgement,” Redknapp said. “He’s guessed. He’s had a guess. He’s on the 18-yard line when the ball’s on the goal-line. It’s impossible to judge. No one can be sure. He’s guessed wrong and he’s made a mistake.

“Until we get technology, it’ll keep happening. When Frank Lampard can hit a shot that goes two foot into the back of the goal, it can happen. What’s wrong with getting the right decision? How is it ‘the fun of the game’? The game is about getting decisions right. The whole ball has to cross the line.”

And he added: “I remember going to a European Championship game, Bulgaria v Romania, in 1996 and Romania scored a goal. It went in the net by about two feet. It was on the screens in five seconds, but Romania drew 0-0 and were knocked out.

“Surely, why can’t the fourth official watch a screen and say: ‘No goal.’ It happens in tennis almost immediately. It takes seconds now.”

Lampard’s effort on the stroke of half time brought the home side back into the match after Sandro had given Spurs an early lead.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side then secured victory though Salomon Kalou’s 89th minute goal which also sparked controversy with the Ivorian in a borderline offside position.

The win moves Chelsea to within three points of Manchester United, who were due to face Arsenal on Sunday.

And with Chelsea to visit Old Trafford on May 8, Ancelotti’s side now have the chance to take the title race into the final day of the campaign.

“Obviously, we’d like to win the game with a different situation but today we were lucky,” admitted Ancelotti, the Chelsea manager.

“We have to be honest and say this. With the television we can see the decision was wrong. It was a difficult one, but today we were lucky. We have to accept this when things are good for us and also when things go against us.

“I don’t know what will happen on Sunday. It doesn’t matter, maybe. It will be a fantastic game - Arsenal and Manchester could win - so the gap could be still at six points.

“But we have to try and win our next game, at United. If we are three or six points behind, it doesn’t matter for us. It’s important we were able to close this gap in two months. That means this team had a good reaction.

“I don’t want to joke, but when the sun comes out and the temperature is hotter, for us it’s better. We suffer in the winter temperatures. It could be a good reason to explain this. Last year, this moment was very good for us. Good home form.”

Kalou was again used from the bench and the striker, who has made it known he is growing frustrated at not being a regular starter, greeted his goal without celebration.

Ancelotti said: “I don’t know if he was disappointed or not. I’m happy because he scored a goal. If he didn’t celebrate because he was disappointed, I’m not interested.

“I understand that my players aren’t always happy to be on the bench, but this is Chelsea. A top club. You have competition in the squad because a top club doesn’t just have fantastic players in the team but also on the bench.”

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