“I think that’s more money to the FAI. Is that a fine, a yellow card?”
That was the question Damien Duff posed to journalists, in March, after he received his first ever caution as a football manager.
The former Blackburn, Chelsea and Ireland midfielder had received a caution from the referee for voicing his opinions too loudly during his Shelbourne side’s 1-1 draw with Dundalk. There had been a hold-up at Tolka Park, that night, before a spot-kick was eventually awarded to Shels.
“I didn’t know what the confusion was over, that’s why I got emotional and animated,” Duff had told reporters. “Going forward I probably need to change, but listen, I’m emotional, it’s who I am. I don’t want to change, but I might have to look at it.”
Duff will definitely have to address that emotional side of his make-up after he received not one but two yellows at Oriel Park, this evening.
Shelbourne manager Damien Duff reacts to a call during an SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match between Shelbourne and Finn Harps, earlier this season. (Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile)Damien Duff sent off
Once again, the opponents were Dundalk. The first half was a sedate enough affair, with both sides cancelling each other out over a scoreless 45 minutes.
Just before the break, the temperature rose, though, considerably so.
Shane Griffin was sent off for receiving his second yellow card and the same fate befell his boss, Damien Duff.
45’ | Griffin sent off for a second yellow followed by Duff 🟥🟥
Griffin with a harsh pull and Duff with some words.
Half time now.
⚪️ 0-0 🔴#DublinsFinest | #Since1895 pic.twitter.com/jyjdTwMxcY
— Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc) April 22, 2022
Reporters at the ground noted that an argumentative Duff had more than a few testy words for referee Paul McLaughlin. When the ref flashed another yellow, and then a red, at Duff, it elicited huge cheers from the home crowd.
In all his time in the Premier League, Duff was never sent off. He received 26 yellows in his 392 league appearances.
