Reading Goal Fiasco

September 23, 2008

The Football League has ruled out the possibility of a replay of Saturday’s controversial match between Watford and Reading.

Assistant referee Nigel Bannister mistakenly awarded Reading a goal after the ball went wide of the post. The Royals then went on to secure a vital point in the 2:2 draw.

Reading manager Steve Coppell had openly said that he would more than happy to replay the match but Watford will not be seeking a replay.

TV replays have shown the ball did not cross the line at any point but the League’s chief operating officer Andy Williamson confirmed the decision to award the goal was final.

He said: “The laws of the game give no discretion in these matters.

“The referee’s decision regarding whether a goal is scored or not is final and binding.”

The goal has since been registered as an own goal by Watford’s John Eustace, an accolade he is less than happy with.

The Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOB) reviewed the incident and released a statement.

It said: “Football is a human game played at a fast pace where mistakes are made by players and match officials alike.

“We regret this error of judgement and will now work with the officials concerned to determine how this occurred in an attempt to minimise such mistakes in the future.”

The loss of two points could prove costly to Watford at the end of the season with a number of teams fighting to be among the promotion contenders. Equally, the point gained for Reading could turn out to be the difference between them going up or not.

Kelly Gerrish

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