Saint-Etienne Interested in Purchasing Iconic Hampden Park Woodwork

Each team has their unforgettable moments. Many involve plays leading to victories over rivals or cup triumphs. On the other side of the coin, there are those moments tantalizingly close to bringing ultimate glory.

Saint-Etienne is looking to face such demons by inquiring about the availability of the goalposts from Hampden Park in Glasgow.

Longtime Bayern Munich and Saint-Etienne fans know the story behind the goalposts. It was the 1976 European Cup finals. Munich was the kings of Europe and gunning for their third straight European Cup title. Saint-Etienne was the first French club since Reims in 1958 to reach the cup final. Hampden Park was the scene where it all unfolded.

Saint-Etienne went into the match as heavy underdogs, but found themselves the favorite in the hearts of the Scottish fans. Bayern Munich appeared to take the lead early through Gerd Muller, only to have it disallowed by a tough offsides call. Saint-Etienne took advantage of the break to control the first half. Les Verts were outplaying Munich only to find luck was not on their side. A crossbar was about to enter into European Cup folklore.

In the 34^th minute, ASSE midfielder Dominique Batheney beat Munich goalkeeper Sepp Maier with a shot only to see it come back off the crossbar. Shortly after, ASSE midfielder Jacques Santini hit the same crossbar with a header. It is normal to see shots catch the posts or the crossbar in a game, but the shape of the goalposts is what has etched Hampden into Saint-Etienne fans forever.

Hampden Park’s goalposts and crossbars were square in shape instead of the typical rounded bars. The location of where the two attempts struck the crossbar have ASSE fans convinced they would have been goals if the crossbar was rounded. The posts were dubbed “les poteaux carrés” (the square posts) by Saint-Etienne supporters.

Bayern Munich would go on to win the game 1-0 on a goal by Franz Roth in the 57^th minute. They had stood toe to toe with Beckenbauer and company. Despite the disappointment, ASSE returned to France to a hero’s welcome. Since that May night 36 years ago, ASSE supporters have been haunted by the Hampden Park goals. The goals were finally removed years later when FIFA banned the use of square goalposts.

According to the Scotsman, Hampden Park officials have received an inquiry from Saint-Etienne regarding the availability of the goals. ASSE wants to add the infamous woodwork to their new museum. Whether the goals will find their way to France is up to Hampden officials. Maybe after all these years, Saint-Etienne will be able to face their demon.

Here is hoping they can move past it.