The 2015/16 football season is well underway and already we’ve witnessed plenty of controversial moments. The Premier league’s new off-side rule has left some managers scratching their heads, particularly Eddie Howe, who was furious when Christian Benteke’s strike at Anfield was allowed to stand despite the Belgian clearly appearing to be off-side. However, Bournemouth and Eddie Howe are not alone as football is littered with plenty of examples of controversial goals that have literally changed the course of history.
DIEGO MARADONA VS ENGLAND
We kick off our list with one of the most notorious moments in football history. Labelled as the most controversial goal of all time, this audacious hand ball from Argentinean legend Diego Maradona occurred during the 1986 World Cup quarter final in Mexico. Maradona leaped through the air following a miskick from England midfielder Steve Hodge and apparently headed the ball over Peter Shilton. But even back in 1986 the less than crystal clear playback clearly showed that Diego used his hand to punch the ball into the net. The incident has since been dubbed the “Hand of God” and not one England fan has forgiven the Argentinian for that moment.
LUIS GARCIA VS CHELSEA
When Liverpool fell behind 3-0 to Milan in the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final before the half time whistle had even blown their chances of getting back in the game seemed all but impossible. Incredibly the reds turned things around in the second half and eventually took the title on penalties. But it was a controversial ghost goal scored by Liverpool front man Luis Garcia in the semi-final game against Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea that got them there in the first place. Garcia sent the ball towards goal and William Gallas appeared to clear it from the line before it crossed. That’s how most onlookers witnessed it but apparently the referee and linesman were watching a different game. That one goal was enough to separate the sides over two legs and led for vociferous calls for more technology in football that were finally heard when goal line technology was introduced a year ago.
FRANK LAMPARD VS GERMANY
At the 2010 World Cup in South Africa the two biggest footballing rivals England and Germany came together once more to battle it out for a place in the semi-finals. Unfortunately, the game was marred by a shocking decision when officials failed to spot an abundantly clear goal from England’s Frank Lampard. The England midfielder, about 25 yards out, blasted the ball towards Neur’s goal before it bounced down off the cross bar and was clearly a yard over the line. To the disbelief of England fans, the officials missed it and Germany went on to progress.
There a plenty other examples of controversial goals over the years, notable mentions must go to Pedro Mendez and Thierry Henry, but if you can remember any moments that have really infuriated you over the years then we’d love you to get in touch.