Image source, Milford Buildings Preservation TrustSweaty palms. Ball placed on the spot. Only the keeper to beat. Even if you’re not a football fan, you can’t keep your eyes off the drama of a penalty kick.
It’s a huge part of the modern game but it wouldn’t exist at all if it hadn’t been for a moustachioed goalkeeper from County Armagh.
William McCrum was born in the village of Milford in February 1865.
He was the son of millionaire linen manufacturer Robert McCrum but had little interest in the family business.
Football was William’s real passion, but he wasn’t much good!
A goalkeeper for his local club, Milford FC, he conceded 61 goals in 14 games during the first ever season of the Irish Football League in 1890-1891.
Image source, Milford Buildings Preservation Trust
Image source, Milford Buildings Preservation TrustIt was during that league campaign that William came up with the idea of introducing the penalty kick for unsportsmanlike behaviour.
The game then was very different to what we’re used to now. Never mind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi rolling around on the turf, in the 1800’s serious injury and even death on the pitch was pretty common!
The penalty was William’s solution.
The “Irishman’s motion”
When suggested to the rule makers at the International Football Association Board though, they nicknamed it the “Irishman’s motion” and laughed William out of town.
Football was seen as a sport for gentlemen and the thought that anyone would deliberately foul their opponent was outrageous. Oh how things have changed!
After a series of high profile casualties followed, a change was desperately needed and all of a sudden the penalty kick didn’t seem like such a bad idea.
It was officially added to the rule book on 2 June 1891, securing William’s place in the history of the beautiful game and becoming the scourge of multi-million pound defenders across the globe!
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