Watford are calling on fans to lobby the Football League in an effort to overturn the decision to award the own goal that never was to John Eustace and have expressed their concerns that the amazing blunder during Saturday’s match with Reading has not been dealt with.

The club believe the own goal should be rescinded and instead awarded to either referee Stuart Attwell or his assistant Nigel Bannister. Hornets fans can contact the Football League at fl@football-league.co.uk.

After the league’s chief operating officer Andy Williamson confirmed that the game will not be replayed, the Hornets released a statement. This read: “Watford note with interest the thoughts of the PGMO (The Professional Game and Match Officials Board) and The Football League with regards to the fixture played against Reading at Vicarage Road last weekend.

“However, the club remain concerned that no assurances have been given to suggest that this issue has been dealt with and that it will not reoccur again in the future.

“The club will abide by any Football League decision, but remains deeply disappointed at the standards of professional officiating it was exposed to in this fixture.

“During the course of last season alone Watford were subject to six major decisions which saw the issuing of red cards, 50 per cent of which were subsequently rescinded.

“The club will now continue to seek clarification surrounding a number of decisions made subsequent to the initial ‘own goal’ ruling, and will remain in contact with the relevant authorities on the matter.”

Meanwhile, Attwell, who was due to take charge of tomorrow night’s Carling Cup tie between Ipswich Town and Wigan Athletic, has been replaced by Mike Dean.