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It really is Christmas... Crouch awarded dubious goal

Last updated at 15:33 15 December 2005

The Dubious Goals Panel has awarded Liverpool striker Peter Crouch the opening goal against Wigan earlier this month - despite the fact it took a huge deflection and was palmed into the net by the goalkeeper.

Crouch, 24, had not opened his account for Liverpool following a £7million summer move from Southampton before the goal, but scored a second soon after.

"It took a big slice of luck but that is what I have been missing recently - I'm claiming it," Crouch said after Liverpool completed the 3-0 win against Paul Jewell's men.

Despite Crouch wheeling away in celebration, the 19th-minute strike was initially credited as a Pollitt own goal. The Premier League's Dubious Goals Panel have now given Crouch the goal.

There was little doubt, however, about Crouch's goal just before half-time against Wigan, confirming he had broken his Anfield duck and deflecting controversy about the opener.

The England striker has grown in confidence since his double against Wigan and recorded another brace in the Club World Championship against Deportivo Saprissa today.

The Dubious Goals Panel also credited Zurab Khizanishvili with an own goal for Blackburn against Chelsea in October, taking the strike away from Blues midfielder Joe Cole.