The picture of mortification and self reproach at scoring an own goal does not quite represent the skullduggery in Italian Football – which has reached has reached a new depth of mind numbing depravity….!
The 8 own goals in 10 minutes were scored in a Coppa Sicilia game between Borgata Terrenove and Bagheria – two teams that play in the Prima Categoria, the eighth tier of the league.
There are three teams in the group – the third being Partinicaudace.
When 10 minutes play were left Borgata were leading 6 – 3.
Borgata were going to win.
However Partinicaudace would proceed to the next level because they were ahead of Borgata on goal difference.
This is where the plot thickens.
The players of Bagheria did not want Partinicaudace to qualify for the next level. They wanted Borgata to go through.
So they decided to help their goal difference along a little bit . They scored 8 own goals in the last 10 minutes causing the final scoreline to read 14 – 3.
An investigation is underway and dire threats have been made that heads will roll eventually.
A slap on the wrist is going to be the more likely punishment – leaving the head still firmly in place.
Meanwhile Borgata went through on goal difference – and are having the last laugh.