It has been called the best Manchester derby of all time, but unfortunately the seven goal thriller last Sunday will be overshadowed by yet another injury time drama at Old Trafford.
While the assistant referee had signalled four minutes of added time at the end of the 90, Michael Owen scored his (soon to be famous) winner well into the 96th minute.
The referee eventually called time in the 97th minute.
No official reason has been given, but speculation indicates that the additional minutes were due to a substitution and Manchester City “over-celebrating” when they netted right on 90 minutes.
Of course this is not the first time there have been allegations of erroneous timekeeping at Old Trafford.
During Alex Ferguson’s long tenure United have developed an uncanny habit of finding crucial goals deep into injury time.
And while no-one can question the tenacity of the Red Devils, suspicion remains that referees and assistants are intimidated by the Old Trafford factor.
There is no way that the officials are biased – but they are only human after all.
And to perhaps add fuel to the fire, try this for a statistic.
In the full decade between 1993 and 2003, away teams were awarded just three penalties at Old Trafford.
Sure, teams tend to play conservatively when they come to the Theatre of Dreams, but three spot kicks across 190 matches belongs in the Ripley’s believe it or not folder.
Late, late Manchester United goals at Old Trafford
April 1993 Steve Bruce (93rd, 96th minute) Man Utd 2 Sheffield Wed 1
United found themselves 1-0 down with 90 minutes up on the clock against Sheffield Wednesday. Their dreams of a first-ever Premier League title were to be a dealt a serious blow before defender Steve Bruce headed goals in the 92nd and 96th minutes.
April 2009 Federico Macheda (94th minute) Man United 3 Aston Villa 2
United had clawed themselves back from 0-2 down against Martin O’Neill’s side but were still on course to drop two points at home. This would hand the title initiative to Liverpool, who had beaten Fulham 24 hours earlier. But the 17-year-old Italian scored a brilliant winner, though again amidst allegations of not-so-brilliant timekeeping.
September 2009 Michael Owen (96th minute) Man United 4 Man City 3
September 26, 2009 at 8:48 pm |
When clubs, like Man U, Liverpool and Chelsea are successful, fans of other teams do examine decisions with more scrutiny. Some could say there jealous or need to focus away from reasons why their clubs haven’t been as successful. This time they could have a point (regarding extra time not pen decisions).
We don’t know what really happens down the tunnel but we can guess. Sir Al has alot of respect and influence within the Premier league but enough to verbally demand more time? I don’t think he stupid enough to do that directly.
The point that he has a fear factor is a valid one. In such high pressure games and the knowledge that after the game it could be just as bad could leave some referees to forget to look at their watch for an extra min or two. But is it the 4th official who deals with added time?
In terms of the City game there was a clear point in time for the final whistle to have been blown. This was before the last goal where the ball was on the half way line after a free kick failed to penetrate the box. During this time Sir Al was very close to the 4th official, could this have been the time for some influential words? Could it be Sky pushing for more drama?
September 26, 2009 at 8:54 pm |
I do think Man Yoo are stoppage time specialists. All good teams know how to keep going right to the end cos anything can happen. Teams like Man U, Barça (against Chesea for example) and Celtic – all big teams in their leagues are known to score goals right at the end and well into stoppage times because they keep going and have the winning mentality.