Irish Premier League: Glentoran red cards ‘ridiculous’ – Devine

Glentoran coach Declan Devine said he was “upset” after league leaders Larne scored a late equalizer against his side, who picked up two red cards, at Inver Park.

A Paul O’Neill penalty in the 21st minute gave the hosts the lead before two goals from Pat Hoban turned the game on its head.

However, top scorer Hoban was then sent off and Gary Haveron’s side were awarded another penalty in stoppage time and Andy Ryan was able to convert the rebound from his effort.

“The game itself is a rollercoaster, and I think we were pretty much in control of our own destiny,” Devine told BBC Sport NI.

“The sending off is ridiculous and if he gets sent off then three or four players will be sent off every game.

“I don’t think Larne gave us that many problems to be honest, a few chances. I feel sorry for the players, the quality they showed, and that, once again, we come here with every decision in the game going against you.”

As well as Hoban’s sending off, Cooney was also shown a red card straight after the final whistle following an altercation with referee Shane Andrews, with Devine adding that the decision was a “travesty”.

Devine continued: “The players deserve great praise because they gave everything we asked of them, and even when we were less than 10 players, we were very comfortable and awarding the second penalty kick was unforgivable in the 95th minute.”

“Ryan Cooney being sent off after the game is a farce, an absolute farce.

“We are trying to make the league professional and of a really high standard. It is about the livelihoods of players, managers and staff, and people have to make decisions like they did tonight. I have no words.”

However, manager Larne Haveron disagreed with Devine and added that his side should have been awarded another penalty when Jarlath O’Rourke appeared to use his hand to obstruct Ryan’s effort.

“There was a little drama at the end,” Haveron said. “We weren’t at our best, but I always say when you’re not at your best, you don’t lose.”

“It’s a stone-cold penalty. They can say what they want but his hand was high. Jarlath O’Rourke’s decision was shocking. It was truly shocking and could have cost us dearly if we lost the game.”

“That could make a difference running back. It’s really bad and there’s no excuses for it. He was on the goal line. It has to be looked at, in my opinion. He scored a goal right, but 10 or 15 minutes before the end, he handled the ball on the goal line.”