It was a moment that had social media collectively aghast and head scratching.
The Republic of Ireland under 17s lost their European Championship quarter final in the most controversial fashion at the culmination of a penalty shootout against the heavily fancied Netherlands.
After forcing penalties with the Netherlands with a 1-1 draw in Chesterfield, Ireland looked poised to take the spot kicks to sudden death with James Corcoran saving the final Dutch kick taken by Daishawn Redan of Chelsea.
"I think the retake is punishment enough": https://t.co/Elx4ZOq3xi@kdkilbane77 on the 🇮🇪 Ireland #U17EURO penalty shootout controversy #IreNed @BoyleSports pic.twitter.com/033IzLZzaI
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) May 14, 2018
But his moment of joy suddenly turned to shock as he received a second yellow card for a supposed infraction. The Dutch were allowed retake the penalty in question to progress 5-4 on spot kicks as Redan converted at the second attempt.
Republic of Ireland senior manager Martin O'Neill and Under 17 manager Colin O'Brien speak with referee Zbynek Proske after the match ©INPHO/Simon Stacpoole
Republic of Ireland senior manager Martin O'Neill was so incensed that he came down onto the pitch to protest to the referee.
As the controversy ensued, Kevin Kilbane and Joe Molloy reacted to what was happening and also examined the rule book. Watch in full above on YouTube.
The OTB office explodes as Corcoran saves the Netherlands penalty but there's something we've never seen before happening. The referee has booked the Irish keeper for coming off his line and the penalty is being retaken
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) May 14, 2018
Some clarity (sort of) on the situation: Here is what the FIFA rules say about encroachment by goalkeepers.. pic.twitter.com/yRElSZqEFQ
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) May 14, 2018
