Reading's 'goal' at Watford is inexplicable and bizarre, blasts ex-top referee Poll

Thirteen minutes into the game, Noel Hunt unsuccessfully tried to hook the ball
back into play after a corner had come off John Eustace and bobbled wide.

Referee Stuart Attwell, who at 25 became the youngest ever Premier League
referee earlier this season, signalled a goal-kick but assistant Nigel Bannister
thought the ball had bounced over the line between the posts and flagged.

VIDEO: Judge for yourself - how far was the ball over the line?

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After consultation with Bannister, Attwell awarded the goal, much to the
consternation of Watford, whose manager Aidy Boothroyd described it as a
'monumental howler'.

Sportsmail columnist Poll said: 'This is the most bizarre situation I've ever seen in 40 years watching football and 27 years refereeing.

'I heard about it then watched the highlights thinking 'it can't be how it's described', but it is. He (Bannister) has got a clear view of it. It's completely inexplicable.

'The referee must be respected, obviously, but in such circumstances, as a player, how do you not lose your temper?'

Poll laid some of the blame at the door of Reading's players for not attempting
to rectify the mistake.

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'Something like this did happen in Japan, and as a result the other team allowed their opponents to put the ball in the net for 1-1,' he continued.

'Every player on the field must have known it hadn't gone in, it would have been nice for some sportsmanship to come in and Reading to give a goal back.'

Poll also defended Mike Riley's decision to issue seven yellow cards to Manchester United players in yesterday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

'Yes it did appear excessive, and that there was a lack of balance (Riley showed only one card to a Chelsea player),' Poll admitted. 'But when you look at each individual booking you can see the reasons why.

'Mike Riley was trying to keep the game tight. He got the feeling there was a lot of tension between the players and that means maybe yellow cards.'