Bizarre optical illusion confounds football world
Can you spot why this throw-in has left football fans scratching their heads?
A bizarre ‘optical illusion’ has confused fans around the world during Reading’s clash with Cardiff City in England’s second-tier competition.
Just before half-time during the match on Sunday, a Reading player was preparing for a throw-in when he stepped backwards towards the sideline before throwing the ball in.
However it looked as though he’d completely hoodwinked the officials by taking the throw from a shadow line near the sideline, and not the actual sideline.
As you can see above, it looks like he’s standing a good five metres inside the actual sideline, but the referee allowed play to continue.
Fans were left gobsmacked on social media.
WOW – Reading just took a throw-in ON the pitch and no one noticed! pic.twitter.com/qeO2dez6TF
— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) May 6, 2018
Uhm… did no one notice this Reading player take a throw in ON THE PITCH? Loooooool pic.twitter.com/ArJodWNHtz
— Niran. [IVI] (@TheOfficialFNG) May 6, 2018
@SkySportsPL how come nobody spotted reading taking throw in from shaded area first half?? pic.twitter.com/W9f2jNEokL
— William Brain (@Brain1234Brain) May 6, 2018
Bobby Madley the ref… no further comment
— Jonny Martin (@JonnyMartin1) May 6, 2018
Bobby Madeley is the worst referee to ever pick up a whistle and cards.
— Sy (@5IMON_) May 6, 2018
Wtf are the linesmen doing????
— stuart pearson (@peo__73) May 6, 2018
However some other eagle-eyed fans offered a simple explanation, believing the white line you can see is actually the top of the advertising boards beyond the sideline.
The replies to this
The white line you all think is the touchline is the top of the advertising boards. He took it throw from the right place!— James (@Spunge1984) May 6, 2018
It's taken from the right place…..
— Stuart (@Stupot1994) May 6, 2018
The line at the bottom is the ad boards. Look at the distance to the 18 yard box it's too far from where you think the line is
— Stuart (@Stupot1994) May 6, 2018
That’s the advertising board, not the side line. He’s not done any wrong
— The England Man (@TheEnglandMan) May 6, 2018
Photo of the actual throw in.
Enough now Twitter! pic.twitter.com/rIHbCVUYB6
— James (@Spunge1984) May 6, 2018
But even with the photo proof, some were still unconvinced.
That line literally goes to meet the corner flag. You’re so wrong
— Mack (@RedDevilsAbroad) May 6, 2018
So is that the distance from the side like to the edge of the box then Yeah? pic.twitter.com/dBxOIEzm1k
— Stuart (@Stupot1994) May 6, 2018
Either way, it certainly makes for a funny story.
