Andy Carroll's 'Hand of God' proves costly as 'keeper scores last-gasp leveller

19 April 2023 , 22:02

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Andy Carroll attempted his own 'hand of God' moment (Image: David Horton - CameraSport via Getty Images)

It was a dramatic night in the Championship, with Coventry City's goalkeeper scoring a controversial 95th-minute equaliser and Andy Carroll being sent off for a 'Hand of God' attempt.

As another rollercoaster season in English football's second tier reaches its climax, chaos ensued across the grounds. Former Premier League striker Carroll firstly made headlines after going from hero to zero in struggling Reading 's surprise 1-1 draw at home to promotion-chasing Luton, eight days on from manager Paul Ince's sacking.

Having been booked in the first half, Carroll started the second period by scoring a vital header to give the Royals a precious lead. Five minutes later, the 34-year-old hit the back of the net again but this time had used his arm, giving referee Tim Robinson no choice but to send Carroll off before Luton's late equaliser through Carlton Morris.

It wasn't quite as late as the drama at Ewood Park night, though, as Coventry 'keeper Ben Wilson scored in the 95th minute to keep the Sky Blues a vital point in the play-off race - but it's claimed he used his hand, too. With Blackburn in the lead after Sam Gallagher's first-half opener, Mark Robins' men were left needing something special as the full-time loomed in East Lancashire.

Wilson came up for a corner and awkwardly diverted Gustavo Hamer's delivery into the back of the net, sending the away end behind the goal into pandemonium. The result means that while Blackburn moved up to occupy the final play-off place and have a game in hand, Coventry are just one point behind them and boast a far superior goal difference.

Eamonn Holmes claims Andy Carroll "should have been arrested" in brutal attack

Blackburn boss Jon Dahl Tomasson fumed post-match, blasting: "The keeper using his hand to score is tough, particularly when the ref was in a position to see it. But we are in a great position for the play-offs, with our game in hand."

Meanwhile, a relieved Robins joked: "Handball? Well he's a goalie! No, it was a melee, and it hit Ben Wilson's knee and goes in. Happy with that, but that's the worst I've seen us play in that first half."

Coventry goalkeeper Ben Wilson scored a controversial equaliser at Blackburn in the 95th minute (Dave Howarth - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Have your say! Who else will be promoted to the Premier League? Give us your prediction in the comments section.

Also in action were Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough, who beat Hull 3-1 after conceding first. By scoring the third goal on Teesside, Chuba Akpom became the first player in Championship history to net in nine consecutive home games, with Carrick and co close to confirming their play-off spot, hoping to follow Burnley to the Premier League.

Elsewhere, Swansea stunned Preston 4-2 in Wales to dent PNE manager Ryan Lowe's aim of sneaking in the play-offs. Chris Wilder endured another defeat as Watford boss, as they were beaten 3-1 at home by Cardiff in a result which surely ends the Hornets' hopes of returning to the top-flight at the first time of asking.

Norwich were held to a frustrating result away to Queens Park Rangers, as the 1-1 draw for QPR ensured that Reading didn't leapfrog them and move out of the relegation zone. With no more than three games remaining for each side, the drama is set to continue.

Nathan Ridley