By Chris Wright

An Italian lower-league side (the eighth tier to be exact: the ‘Eccellenza Sicilia’ league) are to be investigated by the relevant authorities after they mysteriously conspired to score eight own-goals in the final few minutes of a recent cup tie.

Playing against Borgata Terrenove in the Coppa Sicilia and losing 6-3 with 10 minutes left to play, SSD Bagheria unfortunately stuck eight unanswered goals past their own goalkeeper – meaning Borgata duly won the game 14-3.

That particular scoreline ensured that Borgata pipped the team above them in the group, Partinicaudace, into third place and therefore qualified for the next stage of the tournament at their expense.

Borgata coach Ignazio Chianetta said: ”It had been a real contest up to a certain point then Bagheria staged a farce. Their captain told me they preferred us to qualify rather than Partinicaudace.”

Subtle. Honestly, we’d be amazed if the Eccellenza Sicilia’s corruption investigation panel managed to find anything.

(Via 101GG)