The Azeri linesman

Trip to Baku revives memories

Ever since a famous sun-kissed day in July 1966, any doubts about a goal-bound effort crossing the line has drawn reference to ‘the Russian linesman’.

That, of course, refers to England’s infamous third goal in the 1966 World Cup Final against West Germany when Sir Geoff Hurst’s shot bounced down off the bar and was controversially adjudged to have crossed the goal-line by the Russian official.

England’s first-ever trip to Europe’s most-easterly footballing outpost of the newly independent Azerbaijan will revive memories of this controversial goal as the World Cup qualifier in Baku will take place at the Tofiq Bakhramov Stadium - named after the iconic linesman who raised his flag in favour of England.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, reporter Simon Hart explains the significance:

“In a country that received its independence a mere 13 years ago and which, on the football field, has yet to produce a player worthy of deification, he is honoured for his achievement in rising through the refereeing ranks to become the most respected official in the former Soviet Union and arguably one of the best in the world. He returned to World Cup duty in Mexico in 1970, this time brandishing a whistle rather than a flag. It is ironic that, having done so much for Azerbaijani self-esteem, Bakhramov should still be popularly known in England as “the Russian linesman. His son hopes the publicity surrounding this week’s statue unveiling ceremony will finally put the record straight: ‘In 1966 it was the USSR and people confused the country with Russia,’ he said. ‘We want all the world to know that he was Azeri, and not just from the Soviet Union’.”

38 years later, and shortly before England kick-off on Wednesday, Sepp Blatter - the FIFA president - will unveil a statue of him.

Among the guests invited to pay their respects will be at least one very grateful Englishman… Sir Geoff Hurst.