Glenavon’s bid to retain the Irish Cup remains alive but their Sixth Round clash with Armagh City was not without controversy on Saturday.
Glenavon left Holm Park with a 2-0 win and a safe passage to the quarter-final of the Irish Cup but the opening goal of the game will have left a sour taste in Armagh City supporters’ mouths.
The potential for an upset was dealt a blow when Armagh goalkeeper John Connolly prepared to kick the ball out of his hands and back into play.
But before he got the chance to belt the ball up the pitch, a clear nudge from Glenavon defender Rhys Marshall knocked the ball to the floor and teammate James Gray profited.
#IrishCup – Controversial goal for Glenavon at Armagh City pic.twitter.com/VUKWO18ftA
— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) February 4, 2017
In spite of the Armagh protestations, the goal was allowed to stand and fans of the underdogs were left to bemoan the standard of refereeing that they’re accustomed to seeing week in, week out.
@BBCSPORTNI @titch471 @JonnyArm Irish league refereeing at its best! #shocker
— Michael Burns (@burnsmichaels) February 4, 2017
@BBCSPORTNI that’s the type of refereeing we have every week. Absolute disgrace
— Paddy Flood (@paddyflood10) February 4, 2017
@BBCSPORTNI @weejock67 nice to see the officials in the Irish lg are still as sharp as ever.! Embarrassing ??
— John McGuigan (@Jmcguigs84) February 4, 2017
@BBCSPORTNI Irish league refereeing at its usual finest. Beyond dreadful
— Andrew Cinnamond (@AndrewCinnamond) February 4, 2017
@BBCSPORTNI What the actual fcuk?… Just another week in the joke that is Irish league officialdom.
— David Purvis (@dp_ni) February 4, 2017
@BBCSPORTNI @Glenavon_FC that’s madness another poor referee decision
— Stephen Campbell (@bomb3r88) February 4, 2017
@BBCSPORTNI not even shocked by this, sort it out @OfficialIrishFA the officials in this country are a disgrace
— NathanHanna (@Nathannn_95) February 4, 2017
