An Estonian team has equalled Arbroath FC’s 36-0 scoreline just a few months before the 130th anniversary of the Lichties’ historic triumph.
Arbroath FC chairman John Christison has paid tribute to FC Infonet Tallinn because he didn’t think the scoreline would ever be equalled in the modern game.
Arbroath held the record for the world’s biggest win until 2002, when, in Madagascar, AS Adema won 1490 against SO l’Emyrne in a thrown game.
FC Infonet Tallinn ran out 36-0 winners against minnows Virtsu Jalgpalliklubi on Saturday in the Estonian Cup despite only being founded in 2002.
Mr Christison said: “I must admit I never thought it would be equalled or beaten in the modern game, so well done to them.”
Trailing 13-0 at half-time, Virtsu refused to resort to damage limitation and in front of a crowd of 83, leaked 23 goals in 47 second-half minutes.
Estonia Under-21 defender Trevor Elhi managed to find the net 10 times as Infonet, fifth in Estonia’s top tier, began their quest for a maiden domestic cup success.
Arbroath FC have a board meeting on Tuesday night and Mr Christison said they would discuss whether they should offer a formal congratulations to the Estonian club.
“Looking back at our game in 1885, our result could actually have been much higher,” Mr Christison said.
“There were seven goals disallowed and the referee appeared to lose track of the game, from what I’ve read in the history books.
“We are actually planning on having a celebration to mark the 130th anniversary of the 36-0 scoreline on September 12.
“That will also be discussed at the board meeting because it’s a really proud achievement for everyone at the club.”
Referee Dave Stormont later claimed that had he taken a harder line with the Aberdeen Bon Accord team, Arbroath could have won 430.
John Petrie, 18, scored 13 goals, still the record for most goals scored in a senior fixture, although it was equalled by Archie Thompson when Australia beat American Samoa 310 in 2001 in a World Cup qualifier.
The hapless Bon Accord goal keeper on the day was Andrew Lornie who normally played up front but went in goal when the regular keeper didn’t turn up.