An own goal was scored in the parliamentary stadium last Thursday night but the referee refused to allow it. The team which suffered the goal claimed that it was totally unintentional and besides, the opposing team had also made an own goal earlier on but no one had noticed - or so the blue squad alleged. The referee decided to consult the slow-mo but since this did not clarify the allegation, he felt that the most equitable solution was to have the game replayed.

While the scorer of an own goal can rightfully claim that it was never his intention to make his team lose, it still goes down as a valid goal on the score card.

While winning a match in this manner is not the most convincing or satisfying of victories, the record books register it as a win nonetheless.

This post appeared in The Times dated 11th May 2010.