The Football League announce that the 2-2 draw between Reading and Watford which featured a 'phantom' goal will not be replayed.
Linesman Nigel Bannister flagged for a goal instead of a corner when the ball crossed the goal-line well wide of the post during a goalmouth scramble from a corner at Vicarage Road.
Referee Stuart Attwell, who became the Premier League's youngest official last month at the age of 25, awarded a goal despite not a single Reading player appealing or celebrating the 'strike', which at the time was accredited to John Eustace as an own goal.
The match finished 2-2, denying Watford all three points.
Andy Williamson, the League's Chief Operating Officer, said: "The Laws of the Game give no discretion in these matters - the referee's decision regarding whether a goal is scored or not is final and binding. Given this explicit position, the League cannot intervene".
Earlier on Monday, Reading boss Steve Coppell (pictured) admitted he was willing to replay the match after reviewing the evidence.
"If the authorities decide a replay is the correct thing to do then I've got no objections whatsoever.
"I'm not sure there's a precedent but if that's what people decide then I am quite happy to do it.
"We don't want to be seen to be taking advantage of anything.
"I have sympathy with Watford and I really don't know what to say to make it right.
"But if the Football League phone me now and say something was definitely wrong I'm happy to go along with it."
The decision has been roundly condemned as the worst decision seen on a football pitch, a view backed up by Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt even though he has retained some sympathy for the officials.
Hunt said: "It was a screamer! No, it was probably the worst decision I have ever witnessed.
"We can't do anything about it. It's not our mistake, but what can you do? You can't say 'no ref, it wasn't in'.
"He seemed all right. He's a young referee. But after this he'll probably be sitting at home next week. I've had him before and he's been all right.
"It was just a bad day at the office. He talks, he respects you and you respect him. I can understand Watford's frustration, but everyone makes mistakes."
You gotta feel for the ref.
Linesman Nigel Bannister flagged for a goal instead of a corner when the ball crossed the goal-line well wide of the post during a goalmouth scramble from a corner at Vicarage Road.
Referee Stuart Attwell, who became the Premier League's youngest official last month at the age of 25, awarded a goal despite not a single Reading player appealing or celebrating the 'strike', which at the time was accredited to John Eustace as an own goal.
The match finished 2-2, denying Watford all three points.
Andy Williamson, the League's Chief Operating Officer, said: "The Laws of the Game give no discretion in these matters - the referee's decision regarding whether a goal is scored or not is final and binding. Given this explicit position, the League cannot intervene".
Earlier on Monday, Reading boss Steve Coppell (pictured) admitted he was willing to replay the match after reviewing the evidence.
"If the authorities decide a replay is the correct thing to do then I've got no objections whatsoever.
"I'm not sure there's a precedent but if that's what people decide then I am quite happy to do it.
"We don't want to be seen to be taking advantage of anything.
"I have sympathy with Watford and I really don't know what to say to make it right.
"But if the Football League phone me now and say something was definitely wrong I'm happy to go along with it."
The decision has been roundly condemned as the worst decision seen on a football pitch, a view backed up by Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt even though he has retained some sympathy for the officials.
Hunt said: "It was a screamer! No, it was probably the worst decision I have ever witnessed.
"We can't do anything about it. It's not our mistake, but what can you do? You can't say 'no ref, it wasn't in'.
"He seemed all right. He's a young referee. But after this he'll probably be sitting at home next week. I've had him before and he's been all right.
"It was just a bad day at the office. He talks, he respects you and you respect him. I can understand Watford's frustration, but everyone makes mistakes."
You gotta feel for the ref.
