Whilst everyone is going on about Reading's phantom goal at the weekend, it would appear they have form for it and last time it was us who were on the receiving end of this blatant cheating.
Back in 1975, Dale were the visitors to Reading's Elm Park as it was then on the opening day of the season, and with just ten minutes gone in the clock, their central defender Tommy Youlden hit a free kick from outside of the box which went narrowly past the post, hitting the side netting.
Referee Walter Harvey in his infinite wisdom decided that the goal had been scored and marched the players back to the half way line. Dale keeper Mike Poole was far from impressed and chased after Harvey before booting the ball out of the ground in protest earning a yellow card for his troubles.
Dale never recovered from this blow and went on to lose the game 2-0. And arguably it had a massive knock on effect on our season as we kicked off the season on the back foot, no doubt costing us promotion that year. Of course, there was no media bandwagon to stick up for Dale or calls on Fifa to have the game replayed. This would never have happened on Ked Redfern's watch, thats for sure.
Surely this happening twice to Reading in thirty three years is more than just a coincidence.