In China’s second tier, Shaanxi Union’s 5-1 win over Foshan Nanshi on Sunday produced a moment rarely seen anywhere in the game: two balls crossed the same goal line almost simultaneously, yet neither counted.
The incident arrived three minutes after half-time in the 26th round of the Chinese second division. Shaanxi were already two goals ahead when an extra ball remained on the pitch following a Foshan throw-in, with play initially allowed to continue.
Quick facts
- Shaanxi Union beat Foshan Nanshi 5-1 in round 26 of China’s second division.
- Two balls entered the Foshan goal during one confused second-half sequence.
- The referee stopped play, disallowed the Shaanxi goal and cautioned Ndiaye.
- Astrit Selmani scored four times, while Wang Shijie added Shaanxi’s other goal.
Shaanxi regained possession and pushed forward despite the second ball still being moved around the field. As the regular attack developed, Ndiaye was involved with the loose ball elsewhere in the area.
Foshan goalkeeper Shi Xiaotian saved the first Shaanxi effort, but the rebound was turned into the net by an opposing player. At virtually the same moment, the ball struck by Ndiaye also found its way over the line.
With both balls resting in the goal, the referee halted the action. The goal from Shaanxi’s attack was ruled out because of the interference caused by the additional ball, and Ndiaye was shown a yellow card for unsporting conduct after kicking it during the live phase.
The unusual sequence drew protests from the players and quickly travelled beyond China, attracting attention across European football media. It did not, however, change the direction of the afternoon for Shaanxi.
Astrit Selmani had put the home side ahead in the 20th minute, before Wang Shijie made it 2-0 nine minutes before the interval. Foshan briefly cut the deficit through Chang Feiya eight minutes into the second half.
Selmani then took control of the closing stages, scoring in the 58th, 62nd and 90th minutes. His four-goal return completed Shaanxi Union’s emphatic 5-1 victory, even after the extraordinary double-ball episode left one apparent goal off the scoresheet.
