Kaoru Mitoma scored a perfect try at the AMEX as Brighton took on Manchester City – but unfortunately was playing in the wrong sport.
Nearly eight years after the Japan national rugby union team shocked the world by beating South Africa at the same stadium, Mitoma bundled the ball over the line using his arms.
VAR swiftly ruled out the strike before Julio Enciso cancelled out Phil Foden's opener on Sky Sports, with fans chuckling on social media.
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One comment read: "Seems an unpopular opinion based off the comments but any goal that would score 4 points in rugby shouldn't count in football."
A second chuckled: "Certainly no double movement there and he picks a great angle but don't feel he really gets downward pressure on the ball. Knock-on, for me."
A third posted: "Rugby World Cup starts in September, Kaoru!"
Should Brighton have been awarded a penalty? Tell us in the comments section below.
Simon Hooper gave a free-kick to Pep Guardiola's men on the advice of his VAR colleagues, as Alan Smith gave his thoughts on commentary.
He said: "It's there when he falls on it! Totally accidental but it's like a try. It's over the line and he's trying to grab hold of it."
Brighton fans took to social media to suggest the 26-year-old was actually fouled by Stefan Ortega – but the sides went in level at the break.
Roberto De Zerbi's men went into the game knowing a point would be enough to qualify for the Europa League, with the manager insisting the Europa Conference League wasn't the plan.
Either way, it would already be the greatest season in the history of the club with a top-six finish – having never before qualified for Europe.
The fine campaign came after Graham Potter left the club to join Chelsea back in September, with De Zerbi winning 19 of his 37 games since.
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