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Football

22nd Dec 2018

Ball boy interrupts play as Crystal Palace edge Man City 3-2

Nothing like a bit of controversy and a giant killing

Oli Dugmore

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 22: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at Etihad Stadium on December 22, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Nothing like a bit of controversy and a giant killing

Crystal Palace inflicted a second loss of the season on Manchester City. It leaves Liverpool four points clear at the top of the table and is only City’s third defeat in 63 league games. 3-2, courtesy of a penalty and absolute worldie, Palace edged out a tight game against the Premier League champions.

From 3-1 up City nicked a goal back, and pushed Palace for the remaining ten minutes or so of play up to the 95th minute. Time ran out and Palace earned a memorable victory, but City would have had more time had one of their own balls boys not interrupted play at 3-1.

As a Crystal Palace cross skidded across the front of the goal and along the touchline, a ball boy ran to intercept it. However, the boy threw it back toward Ederson, interfering with play before the ball had gone out.

What resulted was a drop ball, which Andros Townsend sportingly kicked into touch, and play resumed with a goal kick.

https://twitter.com/Paul_Winn/status/1076516096432398337

Valuable minutes wasted in a close, close game.