Watch the ‘best own goal in history’ as goalkeeper boots goal kick into his own defender as ball cannons into net
FOR a split-second it was the ‘best own goal in history’.
Romanian top-flight goalkeeper Iustin Popescu blasted a goal-kick sideways at team-mate Adrian Scarlatache, who saw it cannon in off his heel.
Social media had a Pop at the CS Mioveni flops – but referee Ovidiu Hategan ruled the goal out.
He decided the ball was still moving when Popescu dropped it to take the goal-kick.
FC Arges were outraged at Mioveni’s let-off.
But they can’t complain too much as Mioveni had already gifted them a 1-0 win with a genuine own goal that was almost as crazy!
Just seven minutes had gone when Alexandru Isfan streaked to the right byline for a pull-back which Dorinel Oancea met with a delicate touch.
Unfortunately for Oancea, though, it was a touch he came to regret.
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As the ball came across the six-yard box, the right-back hesitated, before flicking the ball into the far corner of his own net with a sidefoot volley.
Seven minutes later came the moment Popescu will want to forget – and in a sense can, thanks to the sharp-eyed ref.
The stopper, 28, firmly struck a goal-kick towards fellow Romanian Scarlatache, who was walking backwards into the middle of the six-yard area.
The ex-Dinamo Bucharest defender leapt into evasive action when he spotted the ball zooming towards him.
But it just made his own goal look all the more spectacular as it flew in off the back of his foot.
Popescu looked in desperation towards ref Hategan – and got the response he wanted with an instant whistle.
Cue protests from astonished Arges players – and stick for Popescu online.
Journalist Emanuel Rosu tweeted a Look Sport clip of the incident and said: “The best own goal in the history of football was just scored in the Romanian top flight.
“The ref canceled it because the ball was still bumping when the keeper hit it. Scenes!”
Poor Popescu was infamous for a second – but will surely feel relieved for much longer.
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