Sport

Irish fury at officials

Republic of Ireland 1 Albania 1: Manager Sean McCaffrey couldn't hide his anger and frustration towards the match officials …

Paul Buttner in Kula
Thu Apr 28 2005 - 01:00

Republic of Ireland 1 Albania 1: Manager Sean McCaffrey couldn't hide his anger and frustration towards the match officials as the Republic of Ireland bowed out of this year's Uefa Youths qualifiers in the heat of Kula in Serbia and Montenegro yesterday.

Israeli assistant referee Danny Krasikow raised his flag to disallow an Andy Keogh goal two minutes into stoppage time as Ireland looked to have kept their qualification hopes alive by coming from behind to win.

Substitute Keogh headed to the net from underneath the crossbar after Albanian goalkeeper Edvan Bakaj had got a hand to a Shane Long shot.

Referee Asaf Kenan appeared to give the goal before linesman Krasikow's flag was raised.

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"We were robbed. We were cheated, that's my opinion," said an irate McCaffrey. "There was nothing wrong with that goal. The referee gave it and he (the linesman) disallowed it. He lifted the flag after the ball hit the net.

"It wasn't just the linesman because the referee was a disgrace. The time wasting; they got away with murder. They then just laugh at you and laugh at the young fellows that have been put out of the European Championship."

In truth, it was another disappointing performance as Ireland, despite their dominant possession, completely lacked a cutting edge.

Impressive Albanian captain Vangjel Mile put his side in front on 59 minutes as Ireland were caught flat-footed on the counterattack. A ball over the top put Mile in between two Irish defenders and Terry Masterson will be disappointed Mile's shot beat him at his near post.

Ireland battled back to level on 79 minutes, Ian Morris rising well to head home Keogh's cross.

Serbia and Montenegro beat Poland 2-1 in yesterday's second match. This means they have qualified, making their meeting with Ireland tomorrow of no consequence.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Masterson (Millwall); Gibson (Manchester United), McShane (Manchester United), R Keogh (Stoke City), Hand (Huddersfield Town); Foley (Aston Villa), Cregg (Arsenal), O'Brien (Bolton Wanderers), Morris (Leeds United); Hayes (Reading), O'Carroll (Celtic). Subs: A Keogh (Scunthorpe United) for O'Carroll (57 mins), Long (Cork City) for Hand (78 mins).

Referee: A Kenan (Israel).