Referee scores a goal and it counts

The ball hits the ref after a scramble in the box (Image: Twitter)

There were bizarre scenes in the Dutch fourth tier when a referee accidentally scored a goal - and then allowed it to stand.

The unusual incident occurred during a Derde Divisie, Dutch football’s fourth tier, encounter between HSV Hoek and Harkemase Boys on Saturday.

After HSV went on the attack, a goalmouth scramble occurred but Harkemase seemingly did enough to prevent a goal.

The defenders even cleared the ball off the line but the referee, appearing to expect the ball to cross the line, got a bit too close to the action.

And when the final HSV attempt was blocked by a defender, the ball ricocheted off the ref and trickled over the line.

The match official, to the bemusement of Harkemase, then awarded the goal as players from both teams looked on with surprise.

The ref then quickly made his way back to the centre circle as he quickly realised that the Harkemase were livid.

The bizarre rule is set to change, with new rules to be introduced next weekend to prevent this type of goal from happening again.From next Saturday, should an incident occur where the ball hits the ref anywhere on the pitch, it will be a drop-ball scenario rather than play carrying on.

Fortunately for the ref, the goal had no impact on the result of the game as Harkemase went on to win 4-2.

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