A strange goal decision has sparked debate in the Bangladesh Football League. Two goals were counted from direct throw ins in the match between Arambagh Krira Sangha and Brothers Union. The laws of the game do not allow such goals.
Arambagh won the match by 2 goals to 0. The game took place at the Shaheed Miraj Tapan Stadium in Manikganj. This was Arambagh’s first win of the season. Both goals came before the break.
The first goal came in the 32nd minute. Kazi Rahad Mia took a long throw. The ball went straight into the net. Brothers Union player Mohammad Shaon said the ball touched him before crossing the line. The referee still awarded the goal to Rahad.
The second goal came in added time of the first half. Rahad again took a long throw. Brothers defender Ishak Ali tried to clear the ball. It hit his hand and went into the net. By the rules, this should have been an own goal. The officials again credited the goal to Rahad.
The Bangladesh Football Federation match report listed both goals under Rahad’s name. The report was signed by referee Anisur Rahman Sagar and SM Sadat Hossain.
Law 15 of the International Football Association Board is clear. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw in. If the ball enters the opponent’s goal, a goal kick is given. If it enters the thrower’s own goal, the opponent gets a corner kick.
In another match, Fortis FC beat Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society by 1 goal to 0. Onyekachi Okafor scored the winner in added time of the second half at the Bir Shrestha Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj.
