Coppell happy to replay goal-farce match

(GETTY IMAGES)

Reading manager Steve Coppell has insisted that he has "no objection" to replaying their Coca-Cola Championship match with Watford after the farcical goal his side were awarded on Saturday.

Linesman Nigel Bannister flagged for a goal instead of a corner after the ball crossed the goal-line wide of the goal, following a challenge between John Eustace and Royals striker Noel Hunt.

Despite not a single Reading player appealing for the 'goal' 25-year-old referee Stuart Attwell gave Coppell's men a 1-0 lead.

The match eventually finished 2-2 and after reviewing the evidence of the phantom goal Coppell has opened the door for the game to be replayed.

Coppell told the club's official website www.readingfc.co.uk: "I've seen it and my conclusion is obviously that it wasn't right.

"If the authorities decide a replay is the correct thing to do then I've got no objections whatsoever.

"I'm not sure there's a precedent but if that's what people decide then I am quite happy to do it.

"We don't want to be seen to be taking advantage of anything.

"I have sympathy with Watford and I really don't know what to say to make it right.

"But if the Football League phone me now and say something was definitely wrong I'm happy to go along with it."

Winger Stephen Hunt - who took the corner - admitted the goal was "the worst decision I have ever witnessed.

Hunt said: "It was a screamer! No, it was probably the worst decision I have ever witnessed.

"We can't do anything about it. It's not our mistake, but what can you do? You can't say 'no ref, it wasn't in'.

"He seemed all right. He's a young referee. But after this he'll probably be sitting at home next week. I've had him before and he's been all right.

"It was just a bad day at the office. He talks, he respects you and you respect him. I can understand Watford's frustration, but everyone makes mistakes."