FURIOUS Martin O’Neill blasted the ref for ruling out Shane Duffy’s late header and denying Ireland a vital World Cup win.
The Republic were facing defeat to Group D rivals Austria until Jonathan Walters’ 85th-minute strike cancelled out Martin Hinteregger’s first-half opener.
But O’Neill was adamant his side should have bagged all three points when Duffy bundled home from close range.
He complained: “I’ve seen the replay — the second goal should count.
“There’s nothing wrong with it. He’s called a foul on Duffy and I can’t see it.”
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
And Irish winger James McClean also took a swipe at Spanish whistler David Fernandez Borbalan.
The West Brom star, 28, claimed: “Austria had a 12th man today. That’s all I’ll say on that.
“I’m really disappointed because we should have three points.”
The Republic will go into September’s double-header against Georgia and Serbia still four points clear of the Austrians.
A draw means that O’Neill’s team have still not been beaten in a competitive match since losing to France in the last 16 at Euro 2016.
The Republic remain second and level on points with Serbia, who drew 1-1 with Wales in Belgrade and boast a superior goal difference.
Leave a comment