The Republic of Ireland Under 21's sit top of the Euro 2021 qualifying group after a game in Tallaght marked by questions over refereeing decisions.

Red cards were brandished for each of the team's star players in a 0-0 draw.

Stephen Kenny's men held their own throughout the first half against the group's top-seeds and had the best opportunities to break the deadlock.

Troy Parrott got himself into the referee's book for a dangerous challenge in the first 15 minutes of the game, a challenge he would regret later on in the game.

The best chance for the Boys in Green in the first half came from a Connor Ronan shot, which was parried by the Italian goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi.

Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Oisin Keniry

A challenge by Everton's Moise Kean after 64 minutes on Conor Coventry earned the Italian an early bath.

However, in the aftermath of the challenge there was a scuffle between Troy Parrott and Kean - with the Dubliner receiving a second yellow card.

A Jayson Molumby free kick after 80 minutes caused problems for the Italian goalkeeper. The ball was heading towards the top left-hand corner, but was batted away by the expectant Carnesecchi.

Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Oisin Keniry

Stephen Kenny's side head to Iceland on Tuesday to continue their qualification adventure. The squad may look back on the result tonight and think it as a point gained rather than two points lost.

They sit top of Group 1 with 10 points, four points ahead of Iceland and six clear of tonight's opponents. It's a very rosy outlook for the Boys in Green.

However, it must be considered that both Group 1 rivals have two games in hand on the Republic of Ireland.