LONDON – Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp called for the swift introduction of goal-line technology after a key decision went against Spurs in their 5-1 FA Cup semi-final thrashing by Chelsea.Redknapp graciously declined to criticise referee Martin Atkinson for his 49th-minute blunder at Wembley which gifted Chelsea a two-goal cushion and left Tottenham chasing the game.Gareth Bale raised hopes of a Tottenham fightback with a goal that made it 2-1 but late strikes from Ramires, Frank Lampard and Florent Malouda completed a resounding win for Chelsea.While Tottenham would have had every right to feel aggrieved that they were picked apart by Chelsea as they sought an equaliser they should not have been obliged to chase, Redknapp was philosophical in defeat.“I came in at half-time and thought we didn’t deserve to be behind,” Redknapp said. “I thought we were the better team first half.“They had scored a wonder goal and there was little we could do about that but I thought we could get back in the game.“But then the second goal obviously was a disaster. It was nowhere near a goal. It’s an honest mistake but it wasn’t anywhere near over the line when you look at it.”Redknapp refused to attach too much blame to Atkinson however and said the incident proved the need for goal-line technology.“He’s made a big mistake. But he hasn’t done it on purpose. I don’t see how he can give the goal because it’s nowhere near over the line.Redknapp said he had spoken to Atkinson after the match who had confessed to his error.“He said he feels worse than I do,” Redknapp said. “I said ‘I don’t think so.’ He said he feels bad. He’s made a mistake. He’s said he’s going to have a bad week as well. But there’s nothing we can do now.”
