Martin O’Neill definitely didn’t expect that to happen.
Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill was not happy with what he saw on Monday. O’Neill was in the stands alongside Roy Keane as the u17s took on the Netherlands in the quarter-finals European Championship.
Although the Boys In Green were sent crashing out of the tournament on the night under controversial circumstances. They could leave with their heads held high after a magnificent tournament in which they represented their country well.
It’s just a shame it had to end on such a sour note.
Outrageous https://t.co/kEQP4I4wTN
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) May 14, 2018
Not happy
The game went to penalties after finishing up 1-1 after normal time. After four spot kicks were taken apiece, all the Netherlands needed to do was score past James Corcoran to secure their place in the semis. The Irish shot-stopper pulled off a brilliant save, but sadly, it wasn’t to be.
The referee flashed the yellow card and ordered the kick to be retaken, deeming that the keeper left his line too early. Corcoran had already been booked for time-wasting in normal time, so he was shown a red card. Centre back Oisin McEntee stepped in between the posts and the retaken penalty was coolly converted.
While the Dutch celebrated, Martin O’Neill was furious. He left his seat in the stands and entered the pitch to approach the referee. He confronted the official as well as other officials on the field as you can see in the video embedded below.
