Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said it was “beyond comprehension” that global football chiefs had maintained their opposition to goal-line technology.

“For me, it is difficult to understand, for one reason because you want as much justice as possible,” said Wenger after Arsenal beat Burnley 3-1 in the Premier League.

“I do not even think it is linked with the money factor. If you love football you want the right decisions to be made.”

The Frenchman was reacting to news that the International Football Association Board (IFAB) had again rejected plans to introduce goal-line technology at a meeting in Zurich on Saturday.

The IFAB’s decision came on the same day that Birmingham, beaten 2-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals by Portsmouth, had a ‘goal’ disallowed at Fratton Park that would surely have stood if replays were available to match officials.

Birmingham’s Liam Ridgewell was convinced he had headed the visitors back into the match with 10 minutes left.

But, after England goalkeeper David James had clawed the ball away, referee Steve Bennett ruled out Ridgewell’s effort even though replays showed the ball had clearly crossed the line.

“Today there was an incident again at the Portsmouth game and I just do not understand why we rule that out,” Wenger said. “It is beyond comprehension for me that you can do that.”

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish, who said Bennett and his assistants should have seen the incident themselves, was nevertheless disappointed when informed of the IFAB move.

“That is a frustrating decision because I think they are doing their officials a disservice,” McLeish said.

“It’s not easy for their guys to see it in a split second. I know you can’t stop every part of the game but certainly for key decisions in a major competition like the FA Cup, your chances of getting to semi-finals and finals are few and far between for a little club like us.”

Former Rangers manager McLeish added: “We should have had a lifeline with a perfectly legitimate goal but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.

“I wouldn’t bet against my team coming back if we got that goal. They’ve done that this season.

“You would expect an official at this level to see that. They do the fitness tests and part of that is the vision side of things. It’s a shame the guy (Bennett) missed that, I’m sure he will be hurting about it.”

The IFAB decision was taken after board members were presented with the results of experiments in which cameras were placed on goal-posts and electronic chips inserted into the ball to see if it had crossed the line.

Board members did not reach a unanimous decision on the technology but, according to a source close to the IFAB, a majority came out in principle against its introduction.

© AAP 2012

Enjoy sports? Enjoy a bargain? All Sports Online has your favourite sporting brands at up to 70% off. Online only, premium quality sporting goods and merchandise at discounted prices. Get a deal now.