Robert Green and 4 Fouls on Goalkeepers That Made History

Harry Redknapp was far from amused on Boxing Day after Chris Foy's decision to allow West Brom's winning goal to stand.

Referee Foy was happy for the goal to be given, despite Marc-Antoine Fortune evidently preventing Robert Green from clearing a high ball, which resulted in the England man clawing the ball into his own net as a result.

Despite a late QPR fightback, the Baggies held on to claim three precious points at Loftus Road and leave Redknapp mulling over a miserable Christmas.  

The decision sparked criticism from the Hoops boss, who didn't pull any punches in determining the call "scandalous" as his side slumped back to the foot of the Premier League table.

But fouls on goalkeepers are nothing new.

Many people have criticised referees for giving stopper's too much protection, and in many cases that is a valid argument. 

However, sometimes goalkeepers are given a raw deal as well.

Here are four famous fouls on goalkeepers that will live with us forever. 

Nat Lofthouse on Harry Gregg

Perhaps the most famous foul ever to be committed on a goalkeeper, legendary Nat Lofthouse got away with borderline murder for his challenge on Manchester United's Harry Gregg during the 1958 FA Cup Final.

The Bolton Wanderers captain planted both the ball and the unfortunate Gregg into the back of the Wembley net to double his tally for the game and set the Trotters up for a famous 2-0 triumph. 

Gregg was knocked unconscious by the blow and had to receive treatment from medical staff in attendance.

It was the type of robust offence that simply wouldn't be allowed in the modern day, but as it was, the goal was given and Wanderers went on to lift the Cup.

Andy Gray on Steve Sherwood

Everton's 2-0 FA Cup final victory over Watford in 1984 will always be remembered for Andy Gray's controversial second-half goal.

Collecting a Trevor Steven cross, it looked for all the world that Hornets stopper Steve Sherwood had two hands firmly on the ball, but Gray had other ideas as he headed the ball out of Sherwood's grasp and into the back of the net.

Like the Lofthouse incident, the goal was given and justice would again not be served as Everton held on to lift the famous trophy for the fourth time in their history. 

Sol Campbell's Disallowed Goal Against Argentina

England thought they had pulled off a historic victory in the last-16 phase of World Cup 1998, as Sol Campbell rose above the Argentinian defence to put his side into the quarterfinals.

However, the goal was cruelly ruled out thanks to an alleged block on the goalkeeper by Alan Shearer, and England hearts would go on to be broken once again as they exited the tournament on penalties.

Despite playing with only 10 men thanks to David Beckham's famous red card, the Three Lions battled superbly and thought that they had secured a remarkable 3-2 win when Campbell headed home, but joy soon turned to despair courtesy of the referee's intervention.

With an immensely talented group of players at Glenn Hoddle's disposal, who knows what could have been for England had the goal been allowed to stand?

Sol Campbell's Disallowed Goal Against Portugal

There can't have been many unluckier players in history of the game than Sol Campbell, who was once again denied the chance to be the hero after his last-gasp header was ruled out against Portugal in Euro 2004.

With the score deadlocked at 1-1, Campbell rose highest at the back post with only minutes remaining to head the ball into the back of the net after Michael Owen had cannoned an effort against the crossbar.

With alarming similarity to Saint-Etienne, the defender wheeled away in celebration only to realise that his goal had been disallowed and that England would have to face the prospect of extra-time and perhaps penalties.

Referee Urs Meier was slated for his decision to award the hosts a free-kick for John Terry's apparent obstruction on Ricardo, and later received death threats from disgruntled England fans who felt that they had been cheated out of victory. 

As for England, they went on to lose the quarterfinal on penalties; something that must have generated even more feelings of deja vu than Campbell's lack of luck.

Follow Andy Ward on Twitter