Martin O’Neill has been speaking about the infamous penalty incident that set Ireland on the road to Euro 2016.
The Republic of Ireland took a 2-1 aggregate lead at the Aviva Stadium in last month’s play-off second leg against Bosnia-Herzegovina thanks to a controversial Jon Walters penalty, with Walters going on to score again to double Ireland’s advantage and secure qualification for France.
The defender was adjudged to have deflected a Daryl Murphy cross with his hand, a decision that was hotly disputed by the visitors, and O’Neill has admitted that had the call gone the other way he would have been equally furious.
Speaking on Goals On Sunday on Sky Sports, O’Neill said: ‘I think it was very harsh. I think it’s a harsh penalty.
‘Was I delighted we got it? Absolutely. But it’s a harsh penalty, he’s trying to pull away from it.
‘If I was the Bosnia coach I would be apoplectic. Now did we deserve to go on to win the game, I think so. But even so, it still gives you a lift because now you’ve got the goal and you know that if Bosnia equalise are still in the game.
‘It’s a big point in the match so if I was Bosnia, I would feel pretty hard done by in that particular instance.’
