Sepp Blatter says sorry to England over Frank Lampard 'goal'

10 April 2012

Sepp Blatter today apologised to England for the match officials' blunder which robbed Frank Lampard of an equalising goal against Germany and performed a U-turn by promising FIFA will consider introducing goal-line technology.

The FIFA president's comments came as the shamed England squad arrived home this morning following their 4-1 defeat on Sunday, when they were controversially denied a second goal.

Lampard's shot smashed against the bar and crossed at least a yard over the line but, incredibly, referee Jorge Larrionda and assistant Mauricio Espinosa both thought it had stayed out.

Blatter has always resisted calls for TV replays to be used to determine whether a goal had been scored and insisted he would stick to his guns in the immediate aftermath of England's last-16 exit.

However, he has had a change of heart and tried to appease the nation by saying sorry to the Football Association and Mexico, who were also the victims of a shocking decision in their 3-1 defeat to Argentina on Sunday.

"It is obvious that after the experience so far in this World Cup it would be a nonsense to not reopen the file of technology at the business meeting of the International FA Board in July," said Blatter.

"I deplore it when you see evident referee mistakes but it's not the end of a competition or the end of football, this can happen.

"I have spoken to the two federations directly concerned. I have apologised and I understand they are not happy and that people are criticising.

"The English said thank you and accepted that you win some and lose some, and the Mexicans bowed their heads and accepted it. We will take on board the discussion on goal-line technology."

Mexico were just as incensed following their loss with Carlos Tevez scoring the opening goal from a clear offside position. The situation was made worse as the players saw a replay of the incident on the large TV screens inside Soccer City Stadium seconds later and it led to angry protests from the Mexicans.

The standard of refereeing at the finals has been criticised and Blatter revealed that FIFA will launch a new drive to improve standards in November.

He added: "We will start with a new concept of how to improve match control. Something has to change."

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