In a Championship fixture way back in 2008, Reading managed to get a goal on the scoreboard without the ball ever having actually crossed the line – we’ve all heard of “ghost goals”, but how did one of the most bizarre goals ever given in football come to be on this fateful afternoon?
It took just 13 minutes for what would eventually be given as a John Eustace own-goal to transpire, stemming from a Stephen Hunt corner kick…
The corner swung in and struck Eustace’s thigh, the ball then being chased by Noel Hunt (among others) in an attempt to cut it back in that would eventually fizzle out. This is where things became a little confusing for those in attendance…
Assistant referee Nigel Bannister raises his flag.
This was initially interpreted as a goal kick, but was soon revealed to be a goal after the the assistant went and spoke with referee Stuart Attwell – much to the shock and confusion of the entire stadium!
The only apparent explanation is that the assistant believed the ball to have travelled over the line, rather than in-front of it as everyone else saw – WATCH BELOW and let us know whether you’ve seen a more bizarre “ghost goal” given before!
