Friday 13th – The unluckiest moments in sports history
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Today is Friday the 13th, so any superstitious people out there will be extra wary of any moments of bad luck. As we all know, for all the training and preparation that goes into sports, sometimes the biggest moments can come down to a slice of fortune or misfortune. Titles and medals can be decided by the ability of athletes, but sometimes, Lady Luck has a huge part to play in terms of deciding who is victorious and who goes home empty-handed. In honour of Friday the 13th, we’ve taken a look back at some of the unluckiest moments in sports history.
Liverpool Beaten by a Beach Ball - 2009
In 2009, Liverpool travelled to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland in a game they were expected to win but they left the North East with nothing after a controversial goal. Darren Bent’s shot hit a beach ball en route to goal. The deflection flummoxed Pepe Reina and the ball ended up in the net. By law, the goal should not have stood but the referee either missed the incident or didn’t know the laws of the game and the goal stood.
El Guerrouj's slip - 1996
At the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Hicham El Guerrouj was tipped to win the gold medal in the 1500m. It was a fierce race but in the closing stages, the Moroccan looked set to kick on and get to the front of the pack. However, as he made his move, his heels got clipped, sending him tumbling over and out of contention.
KP's Helmet Issue - 2007
Whilst batting against the West Indies in a Test match in 2007, England batsman Kevin Pietersen was struck in the head by a bouncer bowled by Dwayne Bravo. The impact of the ball forced the strap on KP’s helmet to break and his headwear ended up hitting the stumps, meaning he was given out Hit Wicket.
Bobble Beats Blackburn - 1996
Poor Tim Flowers! Back in 1996, Blackburn hosted Liverpool in a league game. Liverpool forward Stan Collymore hit a very tame shot that Flowers went down to gather comfortably. However, the ball hit an indent in the pitch right in front of Flowers. That caused the ball to bobble up over the goalkeeper’s shoulder and into the back of the net.
The Immaculate Reception - 1972
Back in 1972, the Oakland Raiders looked set to beat the Pittsburg Steelers in the NFL playoffs. However, with just 22 seconds left, Pittsburgh quarterback Terry Bradshaw’s throw, which looked like it was going to be incomplete, thus ending the game, flew up into the air after hitting the back of an Oakland player. It landed in the arms of Steelers halfback Franco Harris who set off and took it for a touchdown which eliminated the Raiders.
Devon Loch's Fall - 1956
Jockey Dick Francis rode a great race on Devon Loch at the 1956 Grand National and was leading the race by five lengths with just 40 yards left to run. Francis was moments away from achieving his dream win but Devon Loch simply collapsed onto the turf. Second-placed ESB passed the fallen duo and won the race.
Symonds Ankle shot - 2006
In an ODI against Sri Lanka in 2006, Australian batsman Andrew Symonds was motoring along, having scored 66 from 60 balls. He looked set to go on and get a huge score but as he drove a ball straight, it hit the ankle of the non-striking batsman, Michael Clarke, who was stood at the other end of the pitch. The ball popped in the air and was caught by Tillekeratne Dilshan, meaning the big Aussie was given out.
That'll sting - 2001
American cyclist Jonathan Vaughters, having failed to finish in the 1999 or 2000 Tour de France races due to crashes, looked set to finally reach the finish line in 2001. However, he was unable to complete Le Tour as a giant wasp stung him in the eye!
Nigel's Blowout - 1986
With just 19 laps to go in the 1986 F1 season, Britain’s Nigel Mansell looked set to secure the third-place finish he needed to guarantee the World Championship. However, his tyre failed at 180 mph, causing him to veer off the course and thus lose the title.
Tiger's trouble - 2003
Tiger Woods arrived at the 15th hole at Augusta tied for the lead. He hit a near-perfect wedge from 87 yards and it was looking good, it hit the flag. However, it did not stop dead, instead, it veered off and into the water hazard at the front of the green. An improper drop then gave him a score of eight, rather than the four he looked destined to make. To make things a whole lot worse, he finished four shots behind winner Adam Scott!