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Source: Reuters -
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Last weekend Liverpool lost 1-0 to Sunderland after a Darren
Bent shot was deflected off a red Liverpool beach ball that had
been thrown onto the pitch.
The controversial decision, which handed Liverpool their fourth
defeat of the season, has been criticised by many of the Premier
League's top referees, but it is not alone in being one of
football's most bizarre goals.
tvnz.co.nz's Sarah Williams looks at five controversial goals:
5. Blades burst City's FA Cup dreams
Sheffield United v Manchester City (2008)
Long before the now infamous "beach ball of God" deflated Liverpool's title ambitions, a bunch of white and blue balloons ended Manchester City's FA Cup dreams.
In 2008 Manchester City faced Sheffield United in an FA Cup tie.
All was looking good for the Sky Blues, until a cross from
Blades winger Lee Martin rounded off a balloon (brought to the
match by City supporters) ,wrong-footed City defender Michael Ball,
which lead to Luton Shelton smashing the ball past City keeper Joe
Hart, ending City's FA Cup dreams.
4. Goal from the 'Moon'
Bristol City v Crystal Palace (2009)
It sounds like an episode of Doctor Who, but unfortunately for Neil Warnock's Crystal Palace it was another farcical refereeing decision that recalled 2008's "ghost goal".
The incident happened when Palace striker Freddie Sears fired into the bottom corner, the ball clearly crossed the line but bounced straight back out of the net after hitting a stanchion.
As Sears celebrated, ref Rob Shoebridge consulted his assistant then awarded a goal kick.
The incident left Palace boss Neil Warnock fuming:
"We can put a man on the moon, time serves of 100 miles per hour at Wimbledon, yet we cannot place a couple of sensors in a net to show when a goal has been scored," Warnock said.
3. Injured goalkeeper goal
ODD Grenland vs Brann Bergen (2009)
Making Alex Ferguson's comments to ref Alan Wiley look like a bit of banter, this controversial goal gave new meaning to "fair play".
This incident occurred during the quarterfinal of the Norwegian Cup when ODD Grenland striker Peter Kovacs, with miles of space, was heading for the goal.
But as Kovacs approached, it was obvious to all that Bergen keeper Hakon Opdal had twisted his knee but instead of the ref blowing for play to stop, Kovacs kept running and scored.
The visitors complained to the officials that the goal should
not have been allowed due to bad sportsmanship, but the
goal was upheld.
2. Paper 3, Hamburg 2
Werder Bremen v Hamburg (2009)
If you think that a rogue beach ball can cause havoc, just think what a piece of paper can do!
This strange incident occurred during an UEFA Cup semi-final in May. With Werder Bremen and Hamburg locked at 2-2 on aggregate, a Hamburg fan threw a rolled-up ball of paper on to the pitch.
Moments later, a backpass from Hamburg defender Michael Gravgaard bobbled up, hit the paper and went out for a corner.
Bremen defender Frank Baumann headed it in putting his side into the final.
1. The 'Ghost' goal
Watford v Reading (2008)
This goal may not have been caused by an inanimate
object, but it still one of the most bizarre "goals" you are EVER
likely to see.
The "ghost" goal occurred after assistant referee Nigel Bannister mistakenly awarded Reading a goal after the ball crossed the line three yards OUTSIDE the post, leading to Royals to secure a vital point in the 2-2 draw.
This goal was such a horror that goalkeeper Scott Loach still
has nightmares. "I never used to believe in ghosts," Loach said,
"but I'll be haunted by that goal for the rest of my career - and I
would imagine the linesman will be, too."
What are your top five controversial goals? Have your say below...
Add a Comment:
Post new commentTimmo said on 2009-10-21 @ 08:45 NZDT: Report abusive post
On the flipside Clive Allen's ignored screamer was quite amusing, from way back in1980
cazba said on 2009-10-20 @ 21:45 NZDT: Report abusive post
Yep I agree with these, i'm never going to forget the Liverpool one hahaha for all who want to see the Freddie Sears shot, here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HCiBrKjNKE it's the second goal they show on the vid
hmmm said on 2009-10-20 @ 18:40 NZDT: Report abusive post
Maradona Hand of God???!?!?!?!!?!?
zamami said on 2009-10-20 @ 17:18 NZDT: Report abusive post
the Man City vs Shefield FA Cup match was NOT a semi final. It was only a 4th round tie. Perhaps a little more research in in order before you publish your article.