ROCHDALE fans were left stumped after being awarded a penalty against Scunthorpe, only to see their rivals given a free kick before a ball was kicked.
The National League clash ended 1-1 after Scunthorpe’s opener through Callum Roberts was cancelled out by Ryan East’s strike.
Rochdale’s penalty turned into a free kick after Emmanuel Dieseruvwe stopped his run-upCredit: x.com/DAZN_NationalLg
The striker feinted before walking away from the ball, leading to protests from ScunthorpeCredit: x.com/DAZN_NationalLg
The away side protested wildly after pointing out that Dieseruvwe stopped his run-upCredit: x.com/DAZN_NationalLg
But earlier on in the game, the home side had a chance to level the scores from the spot.
Emmanuel Dieseruvwe stepped up to take the penalty, but stopped during his run-up and did not strike the ball.
The striker slowed down his run before walking away from the ball, resulting in huge protests from Scunthorpe players.
Scunthorpe keeper Rory Mahady picked up the ball as the away side surrounded the referee.
The official then awarded an indirect free kick to Scunthorpe, with stars left baffled.
A number of them grilled the referee on the decision, with some holding their heads in their hands.
According to rules under Law 14, feinting is permitted in the run-up to a penalty kick.
But players are not allowed to stop completely and cannot feint after the run-up has been completed.
The referee gave an indirect free-kick to Scunthorpe as the penalty wasn’t convertedCredit: x.com/DAZN_NationalLg
Some fans suggested Dieseruvwe should have been allowed to re-take the effort.
But the rules state that a re-take is only permitted if the penalty is converted and disallowed.
If no goal is scored, the player should receive a yellow card and the opposition given an indirect free-kick.
Fans joked that the story was “non league football in a nut-shell” after the baffling episode.
Another wrote: “One of the most bizarre things I’ve ever seen in football.”
A third agreed: “I’ve never seen anything quite like it in almost 50 years of watching football.”
And a fourth added: “Genuine question: Why didn’t he just boot it in the net?”
Others also criticised Dieseruvwe, with one writing: “Just take your pen and stop complicating things.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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