BLACKBURN attempted to give their play-off chances a hilarious boost.
That’s after one star attempted a diving “Hand of God” to leave fans in hysterics.
Sammie Szmodics led the line for Rovers in their Championship clash at Preston on Saturday.
The visitors are dreaming of making the playoffs after an impressive season under Jon Dahl Tomasson.
And with the scores level after an hour, it appeared Szmodics had made that dream look like a reality.
A ball was swept in from the left wing as the striker charged towards goal.
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And he sent his effort sweeping into the Preston net before wheeling away in celebration.
However, the goal was swiftly ruled out.
That’s because video replays showed Szmodics had clearly handballed with an outstretched arm as he dived to make contact.
Incredibly, it was also spotted live by the linesman – none other than Constantine Hatzidakis, who was not punished by the FA for allegedly elbowing Liverpool star Andy Robertson.
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The incident came after Blackburn saw Coventry goalkeeper Ben Wilson score a controversial equaliser during the week, appearing to punch the ball in.
And fans were left in tears by Szmodics’ attempt, with one saying: “Blackburn player just punched it into the net, ironic.”
Another declared: “How could the Blackburn player run off and celebrate the most obvious handball known to man.”
One noted: “That Blackburn lad should be ashamed of himself for not just the handball, but for chasing down the ref in protest after.”
Szmodic’s fortunes changed late on as he finally did fire Blackburn ahead with an 80th minute strike.
The visitors looked set to nab all three points to rise up the table.
But disaster struck in the fourth minute of added time with Dominic Hyam equalised for Preston, forcing Blackburn to share the points.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
