Graphic: how to take the lead without putting the ball in the net

Steve Coppell, the Reading manager, says he would have no objection to replaying the controversial 2-2 draw with Watford, after the fiasco surrounding Stuart Atwell's decision to award a "phantom goal".

The incident happened when referee Atwell, 25 and Nigel Bannister, an assistant referee, failed to spot that the ball crossed the byline and not the goalline after a challenge between John Eustace, the Watford midfield player, and Noel Hunt, the Reading striker

"I've seen it and my conclusion is obviously that it wasn't right," Coppell said. "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."

Stephen Hunt - who took the corner that led to the goal - admitted he was astounded by the decision.

"It was a screamer! No, it was probably the worst decision I have ever witnessed," he said. "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."

Graham Poll has described the fiasco as the most bizzare situation he has ever seen.

The former referee, who famously gave a player three yellow cards in a World Cup match, says the decision to award the goal was "inexplicable".

"This is the most bizarre situation I've ever seen in 40 years watching football and 27 years refereeing," Poll said.

"I heard about it then watched the highlights thinking 'it can't be how it's described', but it is. He (Bannister) has got a clear view of it. It's completely inexplicable.

"The referee must be respected, obviously, but in such circumstances, as a player, how do you not lose your temper?"

Poll laid some of the blame at the door of Reading's players for not attempting to rectify the mistake.

"Something like this did happen in Japan, and as a result the other team allowed their opponents to put the ball in the net for 1-1," he added. "Every player on the field must have known it hadn't gone in, it would have been nice for some sportsmanship to come in and Reading to give a goal back."