Fans were left fuming at an ‘absolute shocker’ of an offside call which overshadowed Stockport County’s League One play-off semi-final first leg against Leyton Orient.
Stockport manager Dave Challinor also raged at the decision, which he labelled the ‘worst’ of his career.
Orient took the lead at Brisbane Road when Charlie Kelman slotted in his 26th goal of the season, despite standing in a clear offside position.
The 23-year-old tapped in a loose header in the 30th minute but there was a massive gap between Stockport’s final defender and the forward as the ball was nodded goalwards by Omar Beckles.
Kelman, who is the league’s top scorer, later buried an 88th minute penalty to rescue a draw for the home side after Stockport scored twice through Oliver Norwood and Fraser Horsfall in five minutes in the second half.
The decision not to rule out the opener had put Orient in pole position as they target a return to the second tier for the first time since 1982.
Charlie Kelman was clearly stood in an offside position as Omar Beckles headed the ball on
The 23-year-old striker, who is League One’s top scorer, netted a late penalty to level the tie
Stockport players surrounded referee Benjamin Speedie to no avail, while Challinor could be seen confronting him at half-time.
Speaking after the game, Challinor said: ‘Massive kudos to my players for reacting in a positive way to what is the worst decision I have seen in 15 years of management, in what is the biggest game in my managerial career.
‘That [first goal] is an absolute shocker. They’re supposed to be the best of our group to be refereeing these games. If that’s the best, as players, staff, managers, we’re quite right to be concerned.
‘I get why there is a scramble to ultimately get robots involved and stop human error, because that can’t happen.’
Orient boss Richie Wellens said: ‘The first goal I have heard is offside. It’s difficult for me to say from where I am, but people have told me it is offside – and if he is offside, just give it offside. We would rather get a genuine goal.
‘I’ve said it all season that the referees have a huge impact on games at this level.’
Fans took to social media to express their anger at ‘one of the worst offside calls ever’.
One wrote: ‘Linesman has had an absolute mare in the Leyton Orient v Stockport playoff game. Kelman is about 3 yards offside and his flag stays down. Shocker, absolute shocker.’
Another said: ‘One of the worst offside calls I’ve ever seen in the Leyton Orient vs Stockport play-off game’
Stockport County boss Dave Challinor described the decision as the ‘worst’ of his career
One fan claimed the strike was the ‘most outrageously offside goal you’re ever likely to see’
Another called the decision an ‘absolute shocker’, echoing the Stockport boss’s thoughts
Stockport are looking for back-to-back promotions and last played in the second tier in 2002
A further one added: ‘One of the most outrageously offside goals you’re ever likely to see. Like ever. In a play-off match too.’
Stockport, who have never won an away play-off match in six attempts, were leading with just two minutes of normal time remaining.
They will have to beat Orient at Edgelely Park on Wednesday if they are to achieve back-to-back promotions and reach the second tier for the first time in 23 years.
The winners of the second leg will face Wycombe or Charlton in the final at Wembley on May 25.
