Manchester City 0-0 Portsmouth: Ben Thatcher’s Challenge on Pedro Mendes (2006)
Portsmouth midfielder Pedro Mendes was left unconscious and required hospital treatment after a shocking challenge from Manchester City defender Ben Thatcher. Thatcher clattered into Portsmouth midfielder Pedro Mendes with a raised forearm, sending the Portuguese player crashing into the advertising hoardings. Mendes was left unconscious and required hospital treatment, while he played no further part in the match. Referee Dermot Gallagher showed Thatcher only a yellow card, a decision that sparked widespread criticism. Manchester City responded by suspending Thatcher for four matches, before the Football Association’s Independent Disciplinary Commission added a further four-game ban.
Events Today
The day Kickers Offenbach stunned champions Bayern Munich
Kickers Offenbach made Bundesliga history on the opening day of the 1974/75 season with a stunning 6-0 victory over Bayern Munich. Bayern arrived as reigning Bundesliga champions and European Cup holders, but were blown away by an Offenbach side managed by Otto Rehhagel. The result remains Offenbach’s biggest Bundesliga victory and saw them reach the top of the table for the first time.
Hartlepool’s Victoria Ground’s unique double-header
Hartlepool United’s Victoria Ground played host to a unique Football League double-header, with both Hartlepool United and Middlesbrough using the stadium for home matches on the same day. Hartlepool drew 1-1 with Cardiff City in the afternoon before Middlesbrough played Port Vale at the same stadium later that day. Boro were forced to use the ground after Ayresome Park was closed.
The 32-penalty League Cup thriller between Derby and Carlisle
Derby County survived an incredible League Cup tie against Carlisle United after winning a dramatic penalty shoot-out 14-13. Darren Bent gave Derby the lead before Mike Jones equalised with the final kick of normal time. After extra-time finished level, Timi Max Elsnik scored the decisive penalty in a shoot-out featuring 32 spot-kicks.
Qarabağ make Champions League history for Azerbaijan
Qarabağ FK made history by becoming the first club from Azerbaijan to reach the Champions League group stage. After taking a 1-0 lead into the second leg against Copenhagen, they secured qualification on away goals following a 2-2 aggregate draw in Denmark.
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