Gent goalkeeper’s blushes spared despite ‘howler of the season’ against West Ham

Gent’s goalkeeper’s blushes were spared despite producing what fans called the ‘howler of the season’ against West Ham.

The Hammers were gifted the lead in the 39th minute of the Europa Conference League clash when Gent’s stopper Davy Roef fumbled a corner which resulted in a goal for David Moyes’ side. Roef fluffed what should’ve been a textbook save when the ball came into his direction.

And his epic error fell into the path of Hammers Nayef Aguerd who capitalised on the loose ball and poked it home, at the Ghelamco Arena. But West Ham’s joy, and Roef’s blushes, were shortlived as VAR ruled the goal out due to an alleged hand-ball in the build-up.

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Those watching the match were shocked by Roef’s blunder and took to social media to berate the keeper. One fan scoffed: “I reckon that the Gent Goalkeeper should buy a lottery ticket tonight. His luck is on fire.”

Then a second mused: “Gent gk had a howler there but how it isnt a goal. Brother. This ref is fxxxxxg unbelievable.”

A third waded in and added: “Gent’s goalkeeper has his blushes spared after one of the howlers of season, but goal ruled out due to hand-ball.” Before a fourth user chimed in with: “The Gent keeper is a very lucky lad there. That was one hell of a howler.”

It was a view shared throughout Twitter as fans lambasted the stopper. But it wasn’t long before Roef was picking the ball out of his net again following Danny Ings’ first-ever European goal.

The striker latched onto a through-ball to tap it home from close range as the helpless Roef looked on. However, the Hammer’s weren’t able to hold onto their slender lead and Ings’ strike was cancelled out by Hugo Cuypers’ goal in the 56th minute.

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