YP Letters: World Cup goal should not have been given

England's 1966 World Cup win continues to evoke memories.

I WAS at the World Cup final in 1966.

I travelled with the late George Banks, uncle of Gordon, with George’ son Tom, cousin of Gordon and George’s son in  law, the late Raymond Lord, also once of Hallam FC. We were sitting opposite the Royal Box, nearer to the corner flag from where I had an excellent view of England’s controversial third goal.

The Russian linesman first decided the ball had not crossed the line, but inexplicably changed his decision.

His first decision was the correct one as I am certain the whole of the ball had not crossed the line and a goal should not have been awarded.

As for the fourth goal, Kenneth Wolstenholme’s oft repeated commentary provides the clue. “They think it’s all over” reflects what many thought because a whistle was blown somewhere in the stadium, but not by the referee.

However most of the players heard it and mistakenly thought that the game had ended.

Also, Germany’s goalkeeper made no attempt to stop the shot that gave England their fourth goal.