From the Guardian · · 1m 50s
Backside Goals and Political Football
Footballers score with backside goals, political leaders attend matches, and suspensions stretch decades.
In brief
Footballers score with backside goals, political leaders attend matches, and suspensions stretch decades. Three footballers scored with backside goals, two UK leaders watched Everton, and a player’s suspension spans 16 years. Originally reported by the Guardian.
Backside Goals
Thierno Barry scored Everton’s third goal with his backside in February 2024-25.
“Thierno Barry scores Everton’s third goal against Newcastle in February with his backside”
Dean Coney’s Goal
Dean Coney scored his only goal for Norwich in a 1989 draw with Aston Villa after a clearance rebounded off his backside.
“Dean Coney for Norwich in a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa in 1989”
Robbie Slater’s Goal
Robbie Slater scored his first goal for Australia against the Solomon Islands in 2001 with his backside.
“Slater managed to score his first goal for the Socceroos with his backside”
Souleymane Oularé’s Goal
Souleymane Oularé scored Stoke City’s winning goal in extra time with his backside in 2002.
“Souleymane Oularé played just two games for Stoke City, scoring a single goal in a playoff semi-final against Cardiff”
William Saliba’s Goal
William Saliba scored with his backside against Manchester United in 2024-25.
“William Saliba’s Arsenal career has been a bit more substantial. The defender scored with his rump against Manchester United in 2024-25”
Political Leaders at Matches
Andy Burnham and Mark Carney attended Everton’s Carabao Cup match against Wolves in January 2024.
“Andy Burnham and Mark Carney were in attendance at the recent Everton v Wolves Carabao Cup match”
Tony Blair’s Matches
Tony Blair hosted Bertie Ahern at Newcastle United matches in 1997 and 1999.
“Tony Blair, famously a Newcastle fan, brought Bertie Ahern to two editions of Newcastle v Manchester United”
Long Suspension
Éric Matoukou’s suspension spans 16 years after a 2010 red card.
“On 19 August 2010, Matoukou received a red card playing for Genk in a Europa League qualifier against Porto”
Quick Equalisers
Dan Agyei scored a goal for Coventry in 20 seconds, equalised by Marc Richards in 90 seconds.
“Dan Agyei scored a brilliant solo goal for City after just 20 seconds, but a minute later Marc Richards equalised for the Cobblers”
Serie A Match
Milan scored 5-4 against Pescara in a 1992 Serie A match with back-to-back goals.
“Pescara took the lead in the first minute. Paolo Maldini equalised two minutes later and Gianluigi Lentini gave the Rossoneri the lead in the fifth minute”
Rangers’ Goal
David Robertson scored Rangers’ only goal in a 2010 Scottish Cup quarter-final.
“David Robertson scored the only goal in bizarre circumstances at Tannadice in 2010”
Suspended Suspensions
Éric Matoukou’s suspension spans 16 years after a 2010 red card.
“On 19 August 2010, Matoukou received a red card playing for Genk in a Europa League qualifier against Porto”
Longest Suspension
Éric Matoukou’s suspension spans 16 years after a 2010 red card.
“On 19 August 2010, Matoukou received a red card playing for Genk in a Europa League qualifier against Porto”
What Happens Next
Matoukou’s suspension remains incomplete after 16 years, with no further matches to serve.
“Matoukou is now 43 and last played for amateur Belgian side Sprimont Comblain”
In short
Three footballers scored with backside goals, two UK leaders watched Everton, and a player’s suspension spans 16 years.
