Woodgate’s nightmare debut sees an own goal and red card in first Real Madrid match
Jonathan Woodgate had waited 561 days to play a competitive match for Real Madrid. His debut lasted just 66 minutes, produced an own goal, a yellow card, a second booking and a walk of shame from the Santiago Bernabéu. Signed from Newcastle United in 2004 for £13.4 million, Woodgate had not played since suffering a serious thigh injury against Chelsea in April of that year. Endless rehabilitation sessions, specialist appointments and repeated setbacks delayed his first appearance for the Spanish giants for more than 14 months. It remains one of the most extraordinary first appearances in football history: a comeback 561 days in the making that became unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.
Events Today
FIFA restores DFB to full membership after post-war ban
FIFA restored the German Football Association to full membership, ending its post-war suspension from international football. The decision allowed West Germany to resume international competition and helped pave the way for their 1954 FIFA World Cup triumph.
Deepdale storm as biting allegation overshadows Lancashire derby draw
Preston North End’s Lancashire derby with Blackburn Rovers ended in controversy when forward Milutin Osmajic was accused of biting Blackburn defender Owen Beck during a late melee in the 0-0 draw at Deepdale. The Montenegro international received a yellow card, while television replays appeared to show contact between Osmajic and Beck. Osmajic later receiving an eight-match suspension.
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