'Ghost goal' back to haunt Aidy

The FA`s self-acclaimed 'Respect` campaign became a laughing stock yesterday after former Hornets chief Aidy Boothroyd was handed a 1 game touchline ban for questioning the 'ghost goal` decision.

By his own admission Boothroyd concedes that he did manage to find a few choice expletives for blundering ref Stuart Atwell during the 2-1 draw with Reading after the inept baby-faced official lost complete control of the game.

But experts in the game (worldwide we`d like to add) speculated that the FA hearing, called after Boothroyd was sent to the stands, would be ruled in favour of the former Watford boss.

Even Graham Poll, who is not a man without controversy to his name, said the Hornets bench "had every right to be angry with the decision"…

Still that held no weight with the spineless FA committee who have now handed Aidy a 1 match ban when he does return to management - whilst Atwell, who also ruined the East Midlands Derby - Forest clash, was added to the UEFA list.

All in all, it`s another bizarre decision given that the 'Respect for Refs` initiative has been under the spotlight after Sunderlandboss Roy Keane, Man Utd'sSir Alex and outspoken Newcastle gaffer Joe Kinnear blasted officials.

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