One moment in time: The City Ground controversy! | OneFootball

Ahead of our trip to Nottingham Forest, for our latest delve into the archives, we go back to March 1990 and a goal against City which was unforgettable for the strangest reasons!

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It may have happened more than 35 years, but there is one incident that is renowned with our visits to the City Ground.

Legendary boss Brian Clough was in charge at Forest and while it was over a decade since the glory days of league title and European Cup success, they were still a formidable side.

So with City, under Howard Kendall, just a place above the relegation zone going into the final months of the season, any point would be gratefully received.

After a goalless first half, we were holding Forest at arm’s length when City keeper Andy Dibble collected Garry Parker’s deep cross.

But seconds later, Gary Crosby had scored Forest winner with a goal that would result in letters being written to the Football Association and a change in the rules.

FOREST V CITY | MATCH PREVIEW

Dibble held the ball in one hand, when the Forest winger nipped in to head it out of it, before tapping the ball into the empty net.

City players were furious but referee Roger Gifford allowed the goal to stand as Forest secured a 1-0 win to leave us perilously poised above the relegation zone.

Fortunately, City would go on a nine-game unbeaten run to survive comfortably and Dibble was able to laugh about the moment, despite it regularly appearing on football blooper videos.

“The horrendous thing is the next season it became ungentlemanly conduct and you would be sent off for it,” the ex-City keeper said in an interview with the Daily Mail.

‘But I do see the funny side. I have come across Gary on the touchline (Crosby has coached with Burton, Derby and Sheffield United) and we have a laugh and a joke about it.”

City v Brighton tickets on general sale

We welcome an entertaining Brighton side to the Etihad at 19:30 (UK) on Wednesday 7 January.

And with tickets now on general sale, you could be there to see it!

Fans can now claim three tickets each, with adults from £30 and concessions as low as £15.

Or make it a night to remember with hospitality packages starting from just £180 per person and a wide range of experiences available to suit your budget.

Kick off the new year in style!