There was uproar.
Manager of the Republic of Ireland senior team Martin O’Neill was on the pitch after the Netherlands controversially saw off Ireland on penalties to leave our Euro hopes in the dust.
Ireland goalkeeper James Corcorcan looked like the hero of the night after saving Daishawn Redan’s penalty, but what followed was completely unexpected.
The penalty was ordered to be retaken, but before it was, Corcocan was sent off. Many on social media are confused as to exactly why Corcoran was sent off — some have theorised that it may have been for dissent — but the rulebook clearly states that a keeper must be given a second yellow if the referee sees him come off his line for a penalty. Corcorcan had already been booked, so he was sent off.
Collina on booking keepers for coming off line… pic.twitter.com/JSzRMeB31T
— Will O'Callaghan (@willocallaghan) May 14, 2018
Even so, it’s rare to a see a penalty where the keeper doesn’t come off his line, and we’ve certainly seen keepers come further off the line and not be booked. It’s certainly not something you see every day.
Redan scored the second kick, knocking Ireland out of the U17 European Championships, and leaving Irish players, fans and management bewildered and outraged. Many are agreed that, at best, it’s a ridiculous rule.
https://twitter.com/RTEsoccer/status/996118013387522049
That is terrible. Our Young lads so unlucky there. So disappointed with the decision to send James Corcoran off. Awful refereeing.. #EuroU17 #NedvIrl #COYBIG 🇮🇪
— Kevin Kilbane (@kdkilbane77) May 14, 2018
WTF!? A red card??
— Richie Sadlier (@RichieSadlier) May 14, 2018
Can we be the fifth team in the semi-finals? Most ridiculous scenes I've ever seen in a football match. Ireland U-17 goalkeeper sent off during the shootout for coming off his line. Second yellow, ref orders a retake, Netherlands go through. Disgraceful refereeing. #COYBIG
— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) May 14, 2018
A video from RTÉ has highlighted that the Dutch keeper Koorevaar also appeared to be off his line (as most keepers generally are) when he saved Adam Idah’s penalty.
https://twitter.com/RTEsoccer/status/996120160665649152
The match had ended 1-1 after normal time, with Troy Parrott scoring the Ireland goal. Ireland’s lads can hold their heads high after that performance.
