Reading striker Andy Carroll scored two of the greatest goals of his career on Tuesday – only for both of them to be ruled out for offside in the space of two minutes.
The remarkable sequence of events occurred in the first half of Reading’s Championship match against Fulham at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday night.
With Reading trailing early on to a Harry Wilson goal, former Newcastle and Liverpool striker Carroll thought he had equalised for the Royals with a spectacular bicycle kick.
However, his strike was swiftly ruled out by the linesman, with replays showing the striker a few yards offside.
Just a minute later, Carroll chested down a ball on the edge of the Fulham box before firing an incredible volley into the top corner.
But to his dismay, the linesman’s flag was raised for a second time. Carroll had come back from an offside position before taking possession of the ball.
To make matters worse for former England international, Fulham would double their lead before the break.
Aleksandar Mitrovic scoring from the spot to put the Cottagers well in control.
Things would get significantly worse for Reading in the second half, as goals from Wilson, Mitrovic, Kenny Tete, Neeskens Kabano and Tosin Adarabioyo would hand promotion-chasing Fulham at huge 7-0 win.
It was a case of what might have been for Carroll, who has scored just once in seven appearances since joining Reading on a short-term deal in November.
His contract at the Madejski Stadium is due to expire on January 15 but the Championship club are keen for him to extend his stay.
Reading manager Veljko Paunovic has confirmed the club have made Carroll an offer and are now awaiting a response.
"We did make our best possible offer and approach so we are now waiting for a response," he said.
"Definitely, we were on time with our deadline and we are expecting the best possible outcome."
Topics: Football, Reading, Andy Carroll, Fulham, EFL Championship
Rory O'Callaghan