The bizzare goal, which came in the eighty-fourth minute, proved to be the only one of the game and lifts Nigel Worthington's side to the brink of promotion whilst effectively ending Reading's top six hopes.
Having set up an unlikely winner, referee Neale Barry was full of remorse after the game and appeared live on TV to express his regret.
"All I want to do is apologise to all Reading players and fans. I just could not get out of the way.
"I would not want the game decided in that way and it's the first time it's happened in 31 years. All I can say is that I am sorry."
Barry's plea for pardon will be welcomed by Reading fans, but many will still be seething as the defeat that would not have been might ultimately be the difference between success and failure when the season comes to an end.
Unsurprisingly Norwich boss Nigel Worthington wasn't complaining. Following yesterday's win the Canaries need just eight points from their remaining five games to secure a return to the Premiership after a nine year absence.
Sympathising with Reading the Canaries manager admitted: "The incident's unfortunate, but it wasn't intentional and I have to admit that the referee's done well for us.
"This was a massive three points because Reading are a good side with good players. They had the better of the first half and really stretched us."
But good performances that produce no points count for very little at the sharp end of the season. Coppell must now come to terms with his side's potentially fatal failure last night.
The Royals sit tenth, two points adrift of the top six, with just four matches left to play. Although they appear close to a play-off place, given their recent poor run of form they are unlikely to snatch the required points from their remaining fixtures to secure a top six spot.
The likes of Crystal Palace, Millwall and Wigan seem to have a far better chance of earning the right to have a crack at Premiership football.