The linesman who waved away the England 'goal' scored by Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has REFUSED to apologise for his amazing error.

Mauricio Espinosa was asked by the London Evening Standard whether he would admit making the error.

He said: "Okay, but I cannot talk about the game."

Pressed further on whether he would like to apologise to England fans, he replied: "No. Fifa does not allow me to talk about the game. It is the rules."

The official has told Fifa he was unsighted when the incident happened and did not feel he could award the goal, despite strong protests from England players and supporters.

David Beckham approached the officials as they left the pitch at half-time and remonstrated with them, putting his hands two feet apart to show how far the ball crossed the line.

At half-time the Uruguayan teacher saw TV pictures of Frank Lampard's shot which clearly crossed the goal line and realised the enormity of his error.

Referee Jorge Larrionda, who was with Espinosa and third official Pablo Fandino, muttered: "Oh my God."