Watford Football Club News

• Nickname:The Hornets
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Adrian Boothroyd

• Ground:Vicarage Road
• Capacity:20,800

Ruling upsets Hornets

23 Sep 2008 - 10:25:25

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Watford have reacted angrily to the decision made by the Football League and Professional Game Match Officials board not to replay Saturday's controversial 2-2 draw with Reading.

In the 13th minute of the Vicarage Road encounter, referee Stuart Attwell ruled that John Eustace's challenge on Noel Hunt had resulted in an own goal, rather than the ball crossing the touchline to the side of the goal.

The match eventually finished 2-2 and, after analysing the incident, the PGMO board said: "It is clear that the ball did not cross the goal-line between the goalposts.

"According to the laws of the game, the decision of the referee, regarding facts connected with play are final and that includes whether a goal is scored or not. The referee cannot change that decision once the game has been restarted.

"Football is a human game played at a fast pace where mistakes are made by players and match officials alike.

"We regret this error of judgment and will now work with the officials concerned to determine how this occurred in an attempt to minimise such mistakes in the future."

However, the Hornets have responded by saying: "The club remain concerned that no assurances have been given to suggest that this issue has been dealt with and that it will not reoccur again in the future.

"The club will abide by any Football League decision, but remains deeply disappointed at the standards of professional officiating it was exposed to in this fixture.

"During the course of last season alone Watford were subject to six major decisions which saw the issuing of red cards, 50 per cent of which were subsequently rescinded.

"The club will now continue to seek clarification surrounding a number of decisions made subsequent to the initial 'own goal' ruling, and will remain in contact with the relevant authorities on the matter."