It should have been three – Shola

Last updated : 20 February 2003 By Martyn Elliott

Shola had a goal disallowed for offside as he strove to emulate Tino Asprilla’s feat against Barcelona, leaving him as disappointed as he was satisfied with his performance in the Bay Arena.

"I thought I had nicked a hat-trick because when I looked along the line at the full-back, I didn't think I was offside when I put the ball into the net for the third time," he said.

"But unfortunately, the linesman and the referee didn't, and it's their decision that counts.

"I remember watching Tino score his great hat-trick when I was a youngster against Barcelona when Newcastle beat them in the Champions League, and I would have loved to have done the same.

"But I am still very happy with the two I got on the night and I know I would have settled for scoring a couple before the match started."