Andy Lee has hit out at referee Marcus McDonnell after his fighter Paddy Donovan was disqualified in controversial circumstances against Lewis Crocker on Saturday night.
Limerick southpaw Donovan dominated the IBF world welterweight title final eliminator at Belfast's SSE Arena, but was disqualified after punching his opponent after the bell sounded at the end of the eighth round.
Earlier in the bout Donovan had been docked two points after McDonnell adjudged him to be leading with his head during exhanges.
The defeat is 'The Real Deal's' first of his career, while Crocker, who is from Belfast, is now 21-0 and the mandatory challenger for the IBF welterweight world title.
Donovan's team are demanding an immediate rematch with Crocker before he challenges for that belt.
Andy Lee blasts referee Marcus McDonnell
Speaking afterwards Andy Lee, Donovan's trainer, blasted referee McDonnell:
"Can I just say first off, Marcus McDonnell, I don't know him personally, I've nothing against him personally, but his performance tonight was a disgrace," Lee said.
"Both boxers were going in with their heads. He (McDonnell) only ever warned Paddy. I said to him after the first warning 'they're both leaning in with their heads', he said 'I know', but he only warned Paddy.
"The second thing he did, which is the worst thing of all...The crowd is loud, he sees Paddy is going for the finish. If he heard the bell...we didn't hear the bell...the referee is supposed to be there to say 'stop boxing'. He shouldn't allow Paddy to throw that punch and get disqualified and he shouldn't allow Crocker to take that punch which could've hurt him or ended his career.
"I think Marcus McDonnell, it's nothing personal, but I think you're a disgrace tonight. It needs to be looked into. That performance was horrible.
"He's cost this man (Donovan) this fight."
Andy Lee not happy with the performance of referee Marcus McDonnell who DQ'd Paddy Donovan in the 8th round of his fight in Belfast with Lewis Crocker pic.twitter.com/gkRi2kIPgc
— Joe O'Neill (@J0E_90) March 1, 2025
Keith Sullivan, a New York City attorney, who co-manages Donovan with Lee, lodged an appeal with the IBF immediately after Saturday's fight.
It will now be eagerly awaited to see if there is a rematch between the two Irish fighters.
SEE ALSO: Simon Zebo Tore Into 'Infuriating' Munster Error In Edinburgh Defeat
