While those of us in the United States have been focusing on the Balloon Boy, the folks on the other side of the pond have been obsessing about another balloon controversy: In a soccer game between Sunderland and Liverpool, Sunderland won 1-0 on a goal that bounced off a red balloon that had been thrown onto the field.
A fan in the stands batted the balloon -- described by some as a red beach ball -- onto the field, and before the balloon had been removed, Sunderland's Darren Bent took a shot on goal that deflected off the balloon and into the goal. Liverpool wasn't happy about it, but the goal counted.
Sunderland coach Steve Bruce said no one should discount the win just because the goal was so odd.
"I hope the manner of our goal does not become the main talking point because we fully deserved to win this game," Bruce said. "I'm sure Darren's winner will be replayed time and again in quizzes and on football blooper shows but ... we thoroughly deserved it."
Here's video of British broadcasters announcing the balloon goal:
