Scott Parker believes Juan Mata's hugely controversial goal played a 'massive part' in Spurs' FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea.
Spurs skipper aggrieved after controversial Mata goal
Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker believes Juan Mata's hugely controversial goal played a 'massive part' in his side's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea on Sunday.
With the Blues 1-0 ahead at Wembley thanks to Didier Drogba's first-half opener, Mata fired goalward through a crowded penalty box in the 48th minute and referee Martin Atkinson awarded them a second, despite the ball not crossing the line.
Midfielder Parker believes there is no disputing that it was not a goal and feels the decision was hugely influential as Spurs collapsed in a 5-1 defeat.
"It's not even a debate, is it really? It's clearly obvious," Parker told
Sky Sports.
"It's not even one we can even sit here and say did it/didn't it. It was nowhere near the line. I was in perfect view, I could see four players were covering the line, so how the ball would have got over the line I don't know.
"The linesman said he didn't make the decision and the ref took it upon himself. It was disappointing. Those decisions change games.
Crucial
"At 2-0 we come out, we chase the game a little bit, we get a goal back (but) we're a bit stretched and at the end of the day 5-1 is a bad result. But that decision is crucial and that's not making an excuse.
"It's a massive part in the game really so we're disappointed."
The ghost goal has reignited the debate over goal-line technology, with FIFA confirming the final phase of tests will begin later this month.
Spurs defender William Gallas believes action needs to be taken following a string of incidents where the technology could have proved crucial.
He added: "I think everybody saw it, it was only the referee who didn't see it.
"For me, I don't know how you accept that goal. There's already some problem so UEFA has to do something.
"They have to do something because now it's a little bit too much and fast tonight for another club. It's not easy."
