Steve Coppell: I’m willing to play Watford game again

Reading manager Steve Coppell is willing to replay the match against Watford because of the farcical goal his side were awarded.

Linesman Nigel Bannister flagged for a goal instead of a corner after the ball crossed the goal-line wide of the goal, following a challenge between John Eustace and Royals striker Noel Hunt.

Despite no one appealing for the goal at Vicarage Road on Saturday, 25-year-old referee Stuart Attwell gave Coppell's men a 1-0 lead.

The match eventually finished 2-2 and, after reviewing the evidence of the phantom goal, Coppell has opened the door for the game to be replayed.

He said: "I've seen it and my conclusion is obviously that it wasn't right. If the authorities phone me now and decide a replay is the correct thing to do, then I've got no objections.

"I'm not sure there's a precedent, but if that's what people decide then I am quite happy to do it.

"I have sympathy with Watford and I really don't know what to say to make it right.

"We don't want to be seen to be taking advantage of anything."