Referee admitted error on ‘goal’, claims Harry

Harry Redknapp last night revealed referee Martin Atkinson admitted his mistake in awarding Chelsea’s second goal in the 5-1 FA Cup semi-final defeat of Redknapp’s Tottenham side at Wembley.

Chelsea will face Liverpool in the final on May 5 but Redknapp insisted the course of the tie was changed by Atkinson’s decision that Juan Mata’s 48th minute shot had crossed the line.

Mata’s effort hit the legs of Spurs defender Ledley King who was lying in the goal-mouth and TV replays showed Atkinson got it wrong. “He’s made a big mistake,” said Redknapp. “He’s not done it on purpose. I don’t see how he can give the goal: it’s nowhere near over the line. It’s not as if it’s gone in and someone’s kicked it away, it’s so quick. There were bodies on the line and the ball couldn’t possibly get over the line.