Maynard settles controversial clash
Controversy reigned at Ashton Gate as Nicky Maynard's late strike gave Bristol City a 1-0 win after a glaring error by referee Rob Shoebridge denied Crystal Palace an obvious goal.
In a farcical situation which resembled last season's "phantom goal" in Reading's clash with Watford, Palace striker Freddie Sears fired past Dean Gerken into the bottom corner, with the ball bouncing straight back out of the net after hitting the stanchion.
However, after lengthy discussions with his assistant referee, Shoebridge inexplicably ruled that the ball had not gone in and awarded a goal kick to City.
The goal would have given Palace just rewards for their dominant performance as City were indebted to Gerken, who made a string of good saves to keep the visitors at bay, with efforts from Sears and Lee bringing out particularly good stops.
City were largely ineffective throughout the game but won it in the final moments when Maynard finished from close-range.
The opening exchanges were a tight affair as both teams jostled for superiority and although the hosts were looking the most creative going forward, it was Palace that had the first opportunity when Alan Lee brought a good save out of Gerken with a well-directed header.
The game opened up and Palace thought they had taken the lead on the half-hour mark when the ball broke to on-loan striker Sears and he unleashed a shot from just inside the penalty area. The ball appeared to beat Gerken and go in the net before straight back out.
Sears and his team-mates immediately celebrated what seemed an obvious goal but Shoebridge had other ideas and a goal kick was awarded to the fury of the Palace players and manager.
The incident continued to dominate proceedings with Palace boss Neil Warnock continually chastising the fourth official and City almost made matters worse for Palace when Ivan Sproule forced Julian Speroni in to a fine stretching save.
The visitors were clearly spurred on by their injustice and started the second half at good pace. Lee went close with a header before Darren Ambrose sent a rasping shot just wide of Gerken's upright.
Palace continued on top, with Lee and Sears missing good chances, while the impressive West Ham man caused more trouble for the Robins when he drilled a low effort that was well saved by Gerken. Ambrose, who joined the Eagles in the summer from Charlton, then put a free-kick just wide of the post.
Then, just as the game looked to be heading for a stalemate, the Robins rubbed further salt into Palace's wounds when Maynard popped up to poke a loose ball home in the 90th minute to give his side a barely-deserved win with Palace having no time to respond.
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Comment 1 - 2 of 2
I remember Brian Clough being interviewed many years ago after a controversial penalty decision. The TV interviewer said; "So Brian, was it a penalty?" The simple answer; "Son, what does it say in the record book?" It's a tough job being a referee. Don't forget, he's got 2 assistants, 1 of whom should have been standing on the goal line, and has to take the brunt of the blame. These 'phantom goal' incidents are more common than we think they are. If we don't want electronic equipment stopping the flow of the game we love, we should at least do away with solid stanchions inside goals. As a City fan, I pass on sincere apologies to the Eagles for a terrible decision from the officials, and for bad sportsmanship from my team. I know we all want to win, but not at any cost; I expect better from them.
I hope the official who made this ridiculous decision is taken to task as a complete moron he should be sent to the local park where if he does the same thing he will have his facial anatomy rearranged. He is a fool.
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