Celtic fans have witnessed plenty of outrageous refereeing decisions recently but even Willie Collum would blush at this howler from referee Steve Smith at the weekend during Blyth Spartans 2-2 draw with Droylsden in the FA Trophy.
The video below captures the moment perfectly as Ciarran Kilheeney pulls of a fantastic full length save from Michael Tait’s header. Kilheeney isn’t a goalkeeper however, whether the ball was over the line or not when he saved it is up for debate.
Describing the incident the Blyth website said: “An enthralling cup tie between Blyth Spartans and Droylsden ended all square at Croft Park, meaning the drama is to be continued at the Butchers Arms Ground on Monday night, where the sides will meet for a replay.
“This action packed contest included everything from heated exchanges to unbelievable goals but the post match debate centred on a pivotal moment in the first half.
“With Blyth trailing by a single goal, Droylsden’s Ciarran Kilheeney handled a Michael Tait header off the goal line, which went unnoticed by referee Steve Smith and his assistant on the far side.
“Croft Park was incensed and to rub further salt in to Spartans wounds, Kilheeney, who should have been red carded for the incident, scored the equaliser which denied the hosts a place in the Quarter Finals of the FA Trophy.
“Even allowing for the most contentious of decision’s, Blyth had the better of this rip roaring tie and should be looking forward to Monday’s draw, opposed to making the trip to Greater Manchester to face the Bloods again.
“The incident which would define the match came from the resultant corner in the 34th minute, when Chris Swailes won the initial header for Tait, who’s looping effort was sailing over the head of Kilheeney in to the back of the net, before the raised arm of the Droylsden striker made contact with the ball.
“Astonishingly the referee waved play on as scenes reminiscent of Mexico 86 following Maradona’s infamous ‘hand of God’ ensued, as Blyth players raced after the man in black, each indicating an arm was used in the clearance of the ball.
“Croft Park was now a cauldron of noise and it was threatening to boil over as frustrations were clearly evident both on and off the pitch. Robbie Dale was booked for a rash tackle on Brownhill and the officials were naturally dreading the walk towards the tunnel at half time to face the music from a fuming Mick Tait and the apoplectic partisan support.”
Fortunately for Blyth referee Smith wasn’t in charge of the replay with Spartans cruising through 4-0 winners.
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If I remember correctly..Les Mottram refereed a game at Firhill….when Partick’s Thistle’s opponents (can’t remember who), fired the ball past the Jag’s keeper into the net…it hit the rear stanchion ….flew back out again…where it was CAUGHT by the Jag’s Centre-Half….he immediately dropped the ball….and big Les waved play on…..
That’s a cracker as well…..
When I saw this clip I thought Mottram
I think that the Thistle player involved was Martin Clark, John’s bhoy.
Didn’t prevent Mottram reaching the top and a very lucrative move to Japan