Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said referee Martin Atkinson apologized to him for awarding Chelsea a "ghost" goal in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final that did not cross the line, Sky Sports reported.
Chelsea was edging the contest at Wembley Stadium 1-0 thanks to Didier Drogba's first-half opener when Atkinson controversially awarded the Blues a second through Juan Mata in the 48th minute.
The Spaniard shot goalward through a crowded penalty box, but Benoit Assou-Ekotto cleared the ball with his feet while on the turf.
Although Gareth Bale grabbed a goal back, Chelsea went on to win 5-1 to book a place in May's final against Liverpool.
But Tottenham was left fuming at Atkinson's decision, which Redknapp said turned the game.
"The second goal was a disaster," he said. "It was nowhere near a goal. It was a huge mistake. We looked too open after that, and they picked us off. It was key."
The Spurs boss said Atkinson approached him afterward to admit the error and apologize.
"I spoke to him," Redknapp said. "He says he feels worse than I do. I said, 'I don't think so.' He knows he's made a mistake, and he says he'll have a bad week, as well."
Redknapp said the incident proved again that key decisions should not rest on the officials' views alone.
"Goal-line technology has to come into the game," he said. "You can't keep having situations like that."
