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Parker laments ghost goal

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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."