Luckily, this screw-up didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things.
Offaly led Wexford by two points at half-time of their Senior Hurling Championship qualifier but they should have been a point behind.
After a decent start, Wexford were awarded a 23rd minute penalty. Their goalkeeper, Mark Fanning, jogged up to take it and duly obliged with a crisp connection.
However, the umpires and match officials ALL transpired to miss it.
Offaly were eager to continue but Fanning was absolutely livid. He had a point.
As you can see from the still image, above, the sliotar cracks off the back stanchion before coming out.
Goooooooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllllllllllllllllllll
— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) July 2, 2016
Fanning wheeled away in celebration but was perplexed by the non awarding of the goal. A couple of his teammates protested but not loudly enough.
RTE’s Robbie Irwin spoke with Fanning as he left the field, at half-time, and he was adamant he had scored. He was correct.
Former Cork hurler Tomas Mulcahy declared the non-goal, “The worst decision in 40 years.”
How did the ref & umpires not give that goal for Wexford?! #GAA
— John Kelly (@Kellyjohn85) July 2, 2016
I'd say the officials are praying for a Wexford win now after that shocker in the first half.
— Nathan Kelly (@NathanKelly_) July 2, 2016
https://twitter.com/finbarrc/status/749263523625177088
There will be huge repercussions from this cock-up but, thankfully, it didn’t affect the result as Wexford took a 1-21 to 1-13 victory.
