In China’s second-tier landscape, Shaanxi Union’s 5-1 win over Foshan Nanshi produced a moment that will travel far beyond the final score: two balls crossed the line during the same attacking passage, and the referee allowed the goal to stand.
The incident came early in the second half of the clubs’ Round 26 meeting. Shaanxi, playing in red, were advancing when an extra ball appeared on the pitch, yet play was not stopped.
Quick facts
- The match was Shaanxi Union against Foshan Nanshi in Round 26.
- The unusual sequence occurred in the 47th minute.
- Shaanxi were in possession and attacking when a second ball entered the field.
- Both the match ball and the extra ball ended up in the net.
- The referee awarded Shaanxi’s goal despite Foshan Nanshi protests.
- Shaanxi Union won the game 5-1.
Shaanxi completed their move with a close-range finish. At virtually the same moment, the second ball — positioned close to the goalmouth — also rolled into the net.
Foshan players objected immediately. Under the rules, the presence of an additional ball interfering with play should lead to the action being halted, meaning the goal would not normally count.
Instead, the official confirmed the score. The decision left a rare double-ball image at the centre of an emphatic Shaanxi victory, with the 47th-minute episode already being discussed as a potentially unprecedented scene in football.
