Ex-Celtic hero scores controversial own goal with his backside as bad luck plagues international star

Former Celtic playmaker Matt O’Riley had an evening to forget back at his first-ever club - after scoring an own goal with his backside during Brighton’s 3-1 defeat by Fulham.

O’Riley, who joined Brighton from Celtic in a £25 million summer transfer deal, was making only his second English Premier League start for the Seagulls at Craven Cottage.

However, it turned into a chastening night for the 23-year-old Dane, who was returning to the club where he made his senior competitive debut.

O’Riley was unfortunate in scoring what turned out to be a crucial goal on 79 minutes, deflecting an Andreas Pereira corner kick beyond his own goalkeeper Bart Verbuggen to make it 2-1 at that stage of the match.

The goal was laced with controversy, with Brighton captain Lewis Dunk claiming he was fouled as he went to challenge for the ball, but referee Peter Banks was unmoved.

Brighton's Matt O'Riley (No 33) deflects in an own goal. | Getty Images

Fulham had taken an early lead when Alex Iwobi seized upon a mistake by Verbruggen, but the visitors responded on 56 minutes when Carlos Baleba netted.

O’Riley’s untimely intervention put the hosts back in front before Iwobi sealed the win for Marco Silva’s side on 87 minutes.

The defeat leaves Brighton fifth in the table, with Fulham a point behind them in sixth.

O’Riley has endured a tough start since swapping Glasgow for the south coast. He picked up an injury in his debut in August against Crawley in the Carabao Cup that required surgery. He returned to full fitness last month and is establishing himself in Fabian Hurzeler’s starting XI.

O’Riley scored his first goal for Brighton when coming on as a substitute last month in a 2-1 win over Manchester City, which has helped him graduate into a recent starter at the AMEX Stadium.