September 6 2015

Clive Allen

The Premier League might have goal-line technology now but Crystal Palace could have done with it 35 years ago with Clive Allen's infamous strike.

Palace had lost three out of their opening four matches in the First Division when they travelled to Coventry City on September 6, 1980.

They won a free-kick just outside the penalty area after Jerry Murphy was fouled and striker Allen expertly dispatched it into the top right hand corner. It would have been a contender for goal of the season and vital for Terry Venables' struggling side.

The ball hit the stanchion at the back of the net and rebounded out with John Motson describing it as "a tremendous shot by Allen and the ball came back off the woodwork as Palace claim a goal".

Angry Palace players surrounded the referee who consulted his linesman and he judged it was no goal despite replays proving otherwise. Palace lost the game 3-1 and ended up relegated at the end of the season.

"I feel disgusted about that decision." said manager Venables. "There's not even a doubt in my mind that went in when it hit the iron stanchion at the back."

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