6 Dec 2009

Ascoli let Reggina score after controversial goal

3:04 pm on 6 December 2009

A second division Italian football team's shown an unusual degree of sportsmanship by letting their opposition equalise after a controversial goal.

Struggling Ascoli allowed Reggina to score the unopposed goal, then went on to lose 3-1 after netting the controversial opener in their Italian Serie B game in Ascoli Piceno.

Ascoli's Mirko Antenucci scored after 14 minutes when the home side broke forward without realising Reggina's Carlos Valdez was trying to kick the ball out because he was injured.

After Reggina's complaints, a small fight and a red card for visiting defender Andrea Costa, Ascoli agreed to stand aside and let Biagio Pagano run in and score the first of the away side's three goals.