Thirty Years of the Premier League: The top 10 unfairest moments voted by the fans

#1 - Bolton - 1997-98 - Relegation

Bolton's relegation from the Premier League in 1997-98 has been voted as the most unfair moment in the history of the competition in a YouGov survey amongst football fans.

The Trotters went down on goal difference having finished on the exact same points as Everton - one of the ever-presents of the Premier League era having never suffered relegation.

However, the twist in the saga came earlier in the season when Bolton and Everton drew 0-0 despite the ball crossing the line which would have gifted Bolton victory and three season saving points.

Goal-line technology was lightyears away in 1998, and VAR was even more in the distance - ah, simpler times.

Unfortunately for Bolton the goal was not given and the match ended level and come the end of the season, the sides finished on 40 points each with Bolton consigned to the Championship on goal difference.

#2 - "Fergie-Time"

A phrase that could well be entered into the Oxford dictionary, muttered up and down the country so much that even after Sir Alex Ferguson retired, still rumbles on.

Coined from non-Manchester United fans who believe the number of late winning goals the Red Devils did score during Ferguson's reign was due to the extra time added to the already stoppage time used to rescue Man Utd - I'll let you make your own mind up on that one.

However, one of the most famous examples came in a Manchester derby in 2009, when Michael Owen netted the winner in a 4-3 victory in the 96^th minute, despite only four minutes being added on.

The goal, and celebrations alike, make this match one of the most memorable Manchester derbies to date, though Mark Hughes and his side could not believe the whistle hadn't gone, and football fans alike have voted this as the second most unfair moment in Premier League history.

As mentioned above, Betfair Ambassador Patrice Evra, who played in this match claims this was not an unfair moment as an injury meant the game should have carried on for Owen to be afforded that chance.

#3 - Goal-line technology malfunction

In what was the very first fixture to be played following the Premier League's suspension due to COVID-19, Aston Villa and Sheffield United played out a dull 0-0 draw.

However, it would go down as a significant moment as the long awaited return brought some never before seen drama.

Sheffield United, who would go on to be relegated at the end of the campaign, thought they took the lead when Oliver Norwood's free kick caused issues for Villa 'keeper Nyland who took the ball over the line in his on hands.

You don't need a body language expert to tell you the reaction from both players realised the ball was way over the line, though referee Michael Oliver's watch did not "buzz" to the dismay - or surprise - of everyone inside the ground.

After the whistle, Hawk-Eye - the company which operates the goal-line technology system admitted there had been an error and the technology should have awarded the goal.

It is something we had never seen - or seen since - since the implementation of such technology in the Premier League.

I don't need to tell you why VAR didn't intervene regardless - or I unfortunately can't tell you as no-one knows - but the goal did not stand and the game finished level before the Blades were relegated a month later.

Rounding off the list -

4. Mistaken identity - Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs is sent off for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's handball against Chelsea (March 2014).

5. Pedro Mendes' 'goal' - Tottenham midfielder Pedro Mendes' effort from just over the halfway line crosses the line but the officials miss this and rule that it has been saved by Manchester United goalkeeper, Roy Carroll (January 2005).

6. No Crowds - Liverpool winning the 2019-20 Premier League season behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

7. Steven Gerrard slip - Liverpool FC's chances of winning the Premier League title were scuppered as Steven Gerrard slips against Chelsea FC, allowing Demba Ba to run through on goal and score (April 2014).

8. Lasagna-gate - Tottenham Hotspur miss out on a Champions League place on the final day of the 2005/2006 season due to a significant number of the squad missing their game against West Ham United due to food poisoning (May 2006).

9. Beach ball - Darren Bent's beach ball goal for Sunderland against Liverpool (October 2009).

10. Xhaka booed - Arsenal fans booing Granit Xhaka as he is substituted against Crystal Palace (October 2019)

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1008 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 15th - 18th July 2022. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

Please enjoy reading our other survey results, in collobaration with YouGov, looking at:

Top 10 Greatest Premier League Teams.

Top 5 Unluckiest Premier League Teams.

Top 10 Greatest Premier League Moments.

Top 10 Greatest Premier League Goals.

Top 10 Greatest Premier League Players.