FA 'heartened' by technology

The FA has reiterated its support for goal-line technology to be introduced and is "heartened" testing is in its final stages.

The Football Association has long been in favour of bringing in video assistance to help referees with crucial goal-line decisions.

The issue was again thrust into the spotlight at the weekend when Chelsea were awarded a goal in their FA Cup semi-final victory against Tottenham which replays suggested should not have stood.

FIFA announced the final phase of goal-line technology tests will begin later this month before football's rule-makers make a definitive decision in July.

The International Football Association Board, the game's rule-making body, last month approved two systems to go into a second round of testing in match scenarios before either can be sanctioned for use in competitive fixtures at a meeting on July 2.

An FA statement said: "The FA has led the calls at IFAB for the introduction of goal-line technology for over a decade, and we reiterate our desire to see it introduced as soon as possible. No other single body has called as strongly for its introduction as the FA."

And a spokesman told Sky Sports: "We are heartened that we are now in the final stages of testing with IFAB due to take a final decision on 2 July."

IFAB must be satisfied with the speed and accuracy of Hawk-Eye or GoalRef before high-tech aids for referees can be deployed in football for the first time.

Sony Corp's Hawk-Eye is a camera-based ball-tracking system successfully deployed in tennis and cricket. GoalRef, owned by a German-Danish company, uses a magnetic field with a special ball.

Both systems send a signal within a second of the ball crossing the line to the referee, who will retain the power to make the final call.

Spurs striker Emmanuel Adebayor claimed after Sunday's game that the lack of goal-line technology in football is "killing the game".

With Spurs already 1-0 down thanks to Didier Drogba's opener, they were compelled to throw men forward after Mata's effort was given, and even though Gareth Bale pulled a goal back, they were ultimately hammered thanks to late goals from Ramires, Frank Lampard and Florent Malouda.

Adebayor said: "To be honest, I'm just tired of it and everyone is talking about goal-line 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."

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp revealed referee Martin 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 only on goal difference and Redknapp says his players must put the incident behind them.

He added: "I've got to find a team among that group who'll have the nerve, the will power 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."