Controversial ‘ghost goal’ sends Bayer Leverkusen top of the Bundesliga

The referee Felix Brych awarded a freak goal that should never have stood as Sami Hyypia’s Bayer Leverkusen went to the top of the Bundesliga on Friday by beating Hoffenheim 2-1. Already a goal up with 20 minutes to play, Stefan Kiessling headed Gonzalo Castro’s corner into the side netting. As the striker held his head in his hands, the ball rolled into the goal through a hole in the net and Brych pointed to the centre circle.

Several Hoffenheim substitutes raced behind the goal to examine the netting for themselves, calling the attention of the referee to a small hole where the ball had entered, but the official was then powerless to overrule his original decision.

Sidney Sam had put Leverkusen ahead against the run of play in the 26th minute, while Sven Shipplock scored a consolation for the home side with three minutes to play. Hoffenheim also missed a penalty, generously awarded when Roberto Firmino was fouled a foot outside the area. The Brazilian’s initial kick was saved, and then the rebound was sent against a post, and then the rebound from that was also sent against a post.

The last time the Bundesliga witnessed a similar scandal was in April 1994, when Bayern Munich’s Thomas Helmer “scored” in a 2-1 win over Nuremberg. On that occasion the match was replayed, with Bayern winning the second match 5-0.

“I think we will play this game again,” said the Hoffenheim coach, Markus Gisdol. “At Bayern Munich that happened once. I can’t judge Kiessling – we don’t know how we would react in this situation. I think he’s a good sportsman. Anything but a replay would be a joke – you can’t give Bayern a replay, but not Hoffenheim.”

Rudi Völler, Leverkusen’s sporting director, said: “We’re so embarrassed that the goal was given, but we can’t be held responsible. Hoffenheim have spent such a lot of money on a nice stadium. Maybe next time they should buy some proper nets.”

*http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHF_a_7FKlAyuQwMRSKgC5fiBg6rg&url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/oct/18/ghost-goal-bayer-leverkusen-bundesliga