Net malfunction causes problems in South America

Skip to [6.05] for the juicy bit

Spoiler fans have become acquainted with Brazilian side Botafogo through their love of awful penalties and good old fashioned rioting.

This weekend, the top flight side landed back on our radar after right back Alessandro scored a header [6.05 in the video]. Conventionally, the ball must go between the posts to be a legitimate goal, but Alessandro’s effort reached the back of the net via a gaping hole in the side netting.

The referee - who may or may not have been Stuart Attwell -  allowed the goal, but rival Boavista players complained for nearly ten minutes until the decision was reversed. The controversy rages on, however, as Botafogo’s manager suggested the officials used video evidence to reach their decision, which is currently against the rules.

[101GG]