Bookmakers bemoan added minutes as Owen scores to break Manchester City hearts in derby clash.
A 96th-minute goal from Michael Owen gave Manchester United victory in their thrilling derby clash with Manchester City on Sunday (September 20th), but the nation's bookmakers were left bemoaning the timekeeping of the referee.Like City manager Mark Hughes, sports betting firms were astonished by match official Martin Atkinson's decision to play six additional minutes at Old Trafford, allowing Owen to seal a controversial 4-3 win for the home side.
Graham Sharpe, spokesperson for William Hill, explained that a full-time score of 3-3 would have saved the bookmaker from paying out a considerable amount.
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"Had the ref blown thirty seconds or so earlier, at which point everyone other than United fans were convinced the game was over, we'd have been a substantial seven-figure sum better off," he said.
"All those punters who backed the big four all to win at the weekend at odds of just under 3/1 will also be quite happy with the ref's timekeeping."
Chelsea defeated Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 to maintain their unbeaten start to the Premier League season, while Liverpool were 3-2 victors at West Ham United and Arsenal brushed Wigan Athletic aside 4-0.
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