The Own Goal Hall of Shame: where does Riise rank?

As own goals go it was not half bad. Florent Malouda played in a hopeful ball from the left wing and you could see the cogs whirring round in John Arne Riise’s head.

Here it comes, at knee height, awkward that, and if I use the right foot that I employ more often for standing rather than leathering a football, I will probably end up slicing it into my own net. I know what I’ll do, go for the more sensible option and head it instead…oh dear. The rest, as the say, is history. Whether Riise goes down in Liverpool or Chelsea folklore in years to come will depend on the outcome of the second leg at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday.

Tom Dart has compiled his personal Own Goal Hall of Shame, below. How do you think Riise's spectacular effort last night compares to these howlers?

Unfortunately for the Norwegian, it was not an isolated incident. Poor John Arne decided to go with his feet earlier this season and cost his side victory in an FA Cup tie at Kenilworth Road, so you could argue that he learnt his lesson by using his head last night. Still, at least it gave cash-strapped Luton Town a money-spinning replay at Anfield.

We would like you to help us develop our list of the best of the worst, and to start the ball rolling (under our foot, slowly, menacingly, towards the goalline) by suggesting one of our own personal favourites. Wayne Hatswell, the Forest Green defender lashed the ball into the top corner of his own net from a yard out against Morecambe under no pressure whatsoever.

There are other contenders, Jamie Pollock chipping the ball over one of his own defenders and then having the presence of mind to head over his stranded goalkeeper. What was he thinking?

Even better, perhaps, a goal to bring a smile to your face and tears to your eyes at the same time. Why not humiliate yourself in double measure, firstly by scoring an own goal and secondly by smashing the ball into your own face to achieve said unwanted objective.

We don’t actually know who this is (perhaps you can help), but it’s pretty special nonetheless.

And this effort by an unidentified goalkeeper catching himself off his line with a sneaky chip is also good for a laugh.

Think you can do better? Send us your suggestions below. If there is an accompanying video clip to back up your claims, then so much the better.

Tom Dart's Own Goal Hall of Shame

Steven Gerrard, Liverpool (v Chelsea, 2005 Carling Cup final)
“There’s only one Steven Gerrard,” sang… the Chelsea fans after they won the cup with the help of an own goal from the midfield player their club was (and still is) desperate to sign. Gerrard flicked Frank Lampard’s cross into his net after 79 minutes to send the final into extra time – and in the aftermath, Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands. “To lose a cup final and score an own goal made it a really bad day for me,” Gerrard stated. No, really?

Gary Neville, England (v Croatia, 2006)
Technically a Neville own-goal but of course it was Paul Robinson who got the blame and suffered the embarrassment, loss of confidence and form, relegation to the bench, etc. Neville’s backpass bobbled and England’s qualifying campaign wobbled as Robinson air-kicked and the ball sauntered blithely into the net.

Gary Mabbutt, Tottenham Hotspur (v Coventry, 1987 FA Cup Final)
In extra-time the Tottenham Hotspur stalwart stretched out his leg to get Lloyd McGrath’s cross but the ball hit his knee spun over Ray Clemence in goal and gave Coventry City the Cup. And gave the name to one of their fanzines: Gary Mabbutt’s Knee.

Des Walker, Nottingham Forest (v Tottenham, 1991 FA Cup Final)
“You’ll never beat Des Walker,” Nottingham Forest fans used to sing. No, but he’ll beat you. The centre back’s diving bullet header in extra time handed Tottenham the Cup – as if cosmic forces were realigning themselves after Mabbutt’s o.g.

Frank Sinclair, Leicester City (v Middlesbrough, 2002)
The Cristiano Ronaldo of the own goal deserves inclusion. Few were more prolific at introducing the ball to his own net than Frank Sinclair, the former Leicester defender. He won his reputation with two last-minute headers on successive weekends in 1999, giving Arsenal a  win and Chelsea a draw. In 2002, a 40-yard backpass caught the goalkeeper, Ian Walker, by surprise. Perhaps it shouldn’t have.

Jamie Pollock, Manchester City (v Queens Park Rangers, 1998)
Like Gazza at Euro 96, Pollock flicks a bouncing ball over an, er, attacker - then sends a majestic looping header over his goalkeeper. A beautiful combination of skill and idiocy. It was tragicomic, since the goal kept QPR up but sent Pollock’s own team down the next week.

Chris Brass, Bury (v Darlington, 2006)
The defender’s attempted clearance on the edge of the six yard box ricocheted off his face and into the net. Heart-breaking – and nose-breaking, as it turned out, adding injury to humiliation.

Peter Enckelman, Aston Villa (v Birmingham City, 2002)
The first Second City derby since Birmingham’s promotion to the Premier League – a time for heroes. Or villains. City were leading 1-0 when Olof Mellberg sent the ball towards his goalkeeper from a throw-in. Enckelman misjudged the flight and it went past his foot and into the net. In truth, he did not seem to touch it, so the goal should have been disallowed, but his head-in-hands reaction convinced David Elleray, the referee, to give it.

Lee Dixon, Arsenal (v Coventry City, 1991)
Simply a sumptuous finish. England right back lobs England goalkeeper – David Seaman – with a perfect sand-wedge from 35 yards, drifting lazily, arrogantly, just beyond Seaman’s reach. Perhaps Ronaldinho was watching. Yes, that Arsenal back four – special.

Djimi Traore Liverpool (v Burnley, 2005)
The defender ensured Rafael Benitez’s first FA Cup tie would end in a giant-killing as he executed a Cruyff turn on the edge of his six-yard-box to turn in Richard Chaplow’s cross. And to think some people considered Traore to be a comedy defender. Tom Dart

Comments

[Jon Grorud]

The best ever own goal by a goalkeeper is surely Bjarte Flem's, playing for Tromso in the Norwegian elite division some years ago: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=R48jEUHWd94

[Norman]

It wasn't an own goal but Oliver Kahn hand punching the ball into the opponents net at the end of the match was hilarious. Watch it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQS07H5sRSU&feature=related

[james brownley]

The Ian Dowie thumper of a header against Stockport should certainly have been in the top 10, as others have said.

But my personal favourite (as a Gooner) was one by Lauren, against Manchester City. Pursued by an attacker he picked up the ball in the opposing half and ran it all the way back to his own area before sliding it neatly into the net.

I was watching on TV at home and I literally fell off my chair, I was laughing so hard.

[tunde taiwo]

Please check out Senderos,Arsenal vs Aston Villa,i consider that a classique,his keeper had no chance,he had simply changed to a Villa attacker.

[Gavin Hall]

Has to be Ronnie Whelan's long range lob over Grobbelaar's head in 1990 again Man U...beauty, and we still won 2-1, those were the days!

[Mark]

How about the three own goals scored in 7 minutes by Sunderland a few years back against Charlton. Each one unspectacular in isolation but as a trio they deserve a mention.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=dPcwNvstIQk

[Taras Ciuriak]

This classic, from the Hungarian Cup, only last month, deserves a special place in the Pantheon of Great Own Goals!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l6BHKF4tL0

[Ivan]

Materazzi scored an own goal with a ridiculous 40 plus yard back pass which rocketed over the keeper i think last season.

[Chris Todman]

i found this quite brilliant one when browsing youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2YPJ6I56Aw

[David Wright]

In 1967, Leeds were playing Liverpool at Anfield. Leeds goalkeeper, Gary Sprake, picked up the ball and went to throw it to Leeds' left back, Terry Cooper. Seeing Liverpool's winger, Ian Callaghan, running towards Cooper, Sprake tried to curtail the throw, but only succeeded in throwing it behind him into his own net. At half time, the Liverpool announcer played the Des O'Connor record "Careless Hands".

[Mick Shipton]

Not so much a great own goal, but some achievement - Chris Nicholl scoring all four goals in Aston Villa's 2-2 draw with Leicester City at Filbert Street in March 1976.

[Alan Lovatt]

My favourite has to be Willie Donachie in the last minute of a Scotland-Wales match at Hampden Park in 1978. Scotland were leading 1-0 and looking comfortable I think Wales had even missed a penalty. As was customary in those far off days Scotland were playing out time by passing the ball back and forth between keeper and defender. Jim Blyth, the Scottish keeper rolled the ball out to Willie Donachie, just outside the left hand corner of the penalty area. Donachie casually passes the ball back to the keeper without looking. Unfortunately the keeper had turned away and was jogging back towards goal and the first he saw of the pass back was the ball passing him on the way into the empty net!

There was just enough time left on the clock for the re-start before the ref blew for time and an unlikely 1-1 draw. Magic!

[Jay]

I was discussing own goals with a colleague this morning. He directed me to this ice hockey clip, of a Japanese player scoring and celebrating before belatedly realizing he'd put it in the wrong net.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLt1ESy0S7U

[Alex]

The Norwegian league has provided some comedy gold through the years. My favourite is this one, by Tromsø goalie Bjarte Flem, throwing the ball into his own net.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R48jEUHWd94

Another all time great is this Trond Erik Soltvedt's own goal from the halfway line:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tMxp-bzW7U

[Peter Bolt]

In a midweek game in the old Div 1.
Southampton v Aston Villa.
A 2 all draw and Mortimer the Villa capt (midfield) scored all 4 goals.

[Mark Ward]

This is the best own goal ever!! It makes last nights effort look acceptable!
http://mediacenter.gazzetta.it/MediaCenter/action/player?uuid=88072de4-0615-11dd-a9ef-00144f486ba6

[Jason]

The Andres Escobar own goal in the 94 World Cup was against the US.

[Ed]

I hope this doesn't seem like bad taste but I'd suggest Andres Escobar for Colombia in USA 94.

Can't remember who it was against, but seeing as he was murdered by gangsters for scoring it when he went back home it surely ranks as the worst/most notorious OG of all time.

[Andy Hall]

I can't seem to find this on YouTube (maybe for the best as a Liverpool fan) but Ronnie Whelan scored a peach of an own goal at Old Trafford around 1990, an exquisite lob from fully 30 yards on the half volley as memory serves.

[Luke Nestler]

RCOOPER: It was 1999 when Carragher kindly scored two for United at Anfield. Unfortunately for him it ended 2-3 to United (Andy Cole got the other)

[Tom Palmer]

Franck Queudrue's spectacular effort whilst playing for Lens shortly before he was shipped off to 'Boro has to be the most absurd OG of all time

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngotdXnkfGo

[Brian]

For sheer dramatic anticlimax, don't forget Geli's own goal in the 2001 UEFA Cup final. Not only was it a Golden Goal in the 117th minute, not only did it win the cup for Liverpool, but it came after Alavés had fought back from being 3-1 down, then 4-3 down, to tie the match at 4 in the 89th minute. Then Geli ruined it all by very neatly heading a free kick into his own net.

See it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2a9XQNxU44
(goal is at 4:00).

[Nate Palace]

If you think those are good, check out Tony Popovics' goal against Portsmouth several years back in the Prem. Absolutely quality control of a back heel volley into the far top corner bouncing off the woodwork! They only teach that at the top clubs! :-)

[Liz Coldwell]

Rob Scott scored a beauty while playing for Rotherham against Wolves in a League Cup tie about five years ago. What made it so special was that he actually shifted the ball on to his stronger foot before curling it past Mike Pollitt into the top corner. I'm pretty sure the conversation which followed between the two of them cannot be repeated on a family website such as this one...

[A thorn]

Surely Tommy Hutchinsons in the 1981 cup final is up there? City 1-0 up after from a TH goal only for Spurs to level following.....a TH own goal!!!!

[Andy Wood]

I definitely recall reading an article about a European tie between Derby and some unfortunate Icelandic team in the mid seventies where Derby had won something like 5-0 in Iceland and were, say, 10-0 up at the Baseball ground when one of the Derby defenders deliberately smashed the ball past his own keeper so that the Icelanders would get a consolation goal. If I recall correctly, it was even when the defender was taking a goal kick. He just did a 180 degree turn and battered the ball into his own goal from six yards instead of kicking the ball upfield! That surely has to be one of the best ten own goals - assuming it really did happen.

[RCooper]

What about Jamie Carragher's 2 against Man Utd at Anfield some years ago? The game ended 2 all, with Liverpool scoring all four.

[kieran daly]

How has Riise got so bad.No excuses must score at the bridge.

[Phil Roberts]

The happiest man on Merseyside today? Sandy Brown. Home to Liverpool, 10-15 minutes into the 2nd half and a bullet header from the penalty spot into the top corner. Liverpool won 3-0 - but Everton won the league. 40 years on, we are talking about the Riise header and stopped talking about Sandy's superb effort.

[Martin Ward]

Darren Carter's og v portsmouth in this years fa cup. Cross comes in, he take it on his chest and volleys into the roof of the net. great finish!

[Tom]

Can't believe Iain Dowie's bullet header wasn't mentioned in the article!
Carragher against West Ham in the FA Cup Final? that was pretty special.
Frank Quedrue scored a great one during his time in France, a volley from about the half way line!

[Anthony]

I hate to say this but wasn't Jamie Pollock playing for Man City not Middlesborough for his own goal?

[dan]

I once tried to clear a ball that had looped over our keeper only to smack it off the cross bar back against my own face and in to the back of the net, it was in a cup final as well and there were more than a few people watching. I seem to remember Lee Dixon scoring a superb headed goal in to the back of his own net possibly against Leicester it was a beauty

[Matt Nicolson]

For pure presence of mind and a keen eye for goal, this Lee Dixon effort rival any own goal ever scored!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpSo1aciPqU

[Paul]

West Ham were going through a troubled period a few years ago, not helped by an appalling goal drought from their target man, Iain Dowie.
Drawn in the Cup at Stockport, Julian Dicks had put the Hammers ahead when their beleaguered fans were treated to the sight of Dowie soaring above defenders from a corner, and drilling an unstoppable bullet-header past the keeper into the corner of the net.
Problem was of course, it was his own net.
Stockport went on to win 2-1.

[Glenn]

That was a rubbish OG! We amatuers can do so much better than the Pros. Some years ago I was playing centre half and running towards my own goal with the centre forward at my shoulder. Their winger put over a pin point cross which I met - leaping like a slightly overweight salmon - on the volley and smashed past my keeper into the top corner. Fortunately we were 4-0 up so my team mates just collapsed in hysterics. The OG secured me the "Cart horse of the year" award.

[Philip Hardcastle]

I think Steven Gerrard's own goal against Chelsea in the league cup final was probably the worst. While it probably wasn't the most spectacular header, it was one that occured at a turbulent time for Gerrard when speculation was rife about his future. The fact that he scored for his so called new club would have gutted anyone.