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Philippe Coutinho 'goal': FA Cup semi-final strike was going 'miles wide' - leading to fury over first goal scorer betting

Liverpool forward claimed goal as his own

Simon Rice
Monday 20 April 2015 13:29 BST
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Coutinho celebrates after 'scoring' against Aston Villa
Coutinho celebrates after 'scoring' against Aston Villa

Gamblers have been left furious after Phillipe Coutinho was credited with scoring the opening goal in the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Aston Villa.

The Brazilian appeared to have scored with a deft finish after 30 minutes to give Liverpool the lead at Wembley.

However, replays show that rather than a slick finish past Shay Given, Coutinho's shot was actually heading 'miles wide' of the post but clipped the knee of Villa defender Jores Okore to send it on target.

Watch the video below (the goal begins at 35 seconds)...

With betting firms offering odds on the first goal scorer - some are understood to have immediately started shelling out for punters that backed Coutinho to get the first.

But that credit should actually go to Christian Benteke, who scored for Aston Villa six minutes later.

One betting firm quickly moved to pay out on both Coutinho and Benteke.

Others may be forced to follow suit.

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