You are here: Home > News > On this day in 1980: Allen's ghost goal
June 9 2023 9.49am

On this day in 1980: Allen's ghost goal

September 6 2015

Clive Allen

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."

Read more On This Day... from our archive.

Latest Headlines

Palace Talk Forum Latest

Palace New Kit 23-24
at 10.29pm by Bexley Eagle

Squad for 23/24
at 9.14pm by DANGERCLOSE

Can we adopt our 1861 date of birth?
at 7.07pm by Penge Eagle

If you had 60mill for the team this summer....
at 5.33pm by Mwncisee

If you had 60mill for the team this summer....
at 5.14pm by Canterbury Palace

We beat West Ham and they get a European Cup. Ted?
at 4.58pm by PatrickA

You are here: Home > News > On this day in 1980: Allen's ghost goal