Emmanuel Adebayor accuses Martin Atkinson of ruining FA Cup dream

Tottenham Hotspur forward blames referee for defeat
Lack of goalline technology is 'killing the game'

Emmanuel Adebayorhas accused Martin Atkinson of ruining Tottenham Hotspur's FA Cup dreams and claimed the lack of goalline technology in football is "killing the game" after Sunday night's controversial semi-final defeat to Chelsea at Wembley.

Tottenham were thrashed 5-1 by their rivals but their task was made much harder when Atkinson allowed Juan Mata's goal to stand despite Benoît Assou-Ekotto clearing the Spaniard's shot before it crossed the line. With Spurs already 1-0 down thanks to Didier Drogba's opener, they were compelled to throw players forward, and even though Gareth Bale pulled a goal back, they were beaten by late goals from Ramires, Frank Lampard and Florent Malouda.

Sunday's defeat denied Adebayor his first appearance in an FA Cup final and he blames only one man. "To be honest, we have to blame the referee," he said. "I think we have done well and he has made a lot of mistakes and made a lot of wrong decisions.

"We are all disappointed. But what do you want me to tell you? How many goals scored this season were disallowed that were onside? To be honest, I'm just tired of it and everyone is talking about goalline technology. They have to make something happen because it's killing the league, it's killing the FA Cup, it's killing the game, it's killing everything."

The midfielder Scott Parker claimed no one in the ground but Atkinson – who did not consult his assistant – thought the ball had crossed the line. Parker said: "It's not even a debate, is it, really? I think it's clearly obvious. It's not even one we can sit here and say 'did it or didn't it?' It was nowhere near the line. I had a perfect view. Four players were covering the line, so how the ball could've got over the line I don't know. The linesman said he didn't make the decision. The ref took it upon himself."

The Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp revealed Atkinson approached him after the game to apologise for giving the goal. Redknapp now faces the tough task of picking his players up for their remaining five matches. Spurs are clear of fifth-place Newcastle United only on goal difference and Redknapp said his players must put the incident behind them.

He said: "I've got to find a team among that group who'll have the nerve, the willpower and the desire to get that fourth spot now. We have to go to QPR next week for a tough game and show we can bounce back. It's important. It's a test of character now. They have to show some character."

Дата добавления: 2015-10-02