Two goals inside the final ten minutes of the game helped Shamrock Rovers to all three points in an entertaining clash against Shelbourne last night, but it was some late decisions from the match officials that left Damien Duff frustrated.
A first half brace from Shane Farrell gave Shels a 2-1 lead with ten minutes remaining, before Daniel Cleary's second goal of the game and a late, wonderful volley from Rory Gaffney stole all three points for the Hoops.
Damien Duff not impressed with refereeing decisions
Since taking over as Shelbourne manager, Damien Duff has become quite the character on the touchline and yesterday was no different.
Speaking to RTÉ in his post match interview, the former Irish winger questioned some of the late decision making from the officials. In particular he was displeased with the amount of added time played.
Duff said:
Four minutes added on, it ended up 96-and-a-half minutes,
If I was to air my views about officials and stuff that goes on in this league, I wouldn’t be on the touchline next week.
I’m very proud to manager Shelbourne Football Club and I want to be on the touchline next week. I cannot wait. I’m looking forward to it already.
"If I was to air my views about officials and stuff that goes on in this league, I wouldn't be on the touchline next week."
Damien Duff unhappy at why the game went over four minutes of added-time and also talks of his new love for the League of Ireland as a "blow-in" #rtesoccer pic.twitter.com/Z1jlBB1Pxn
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 9, 2022
🎥 | How big a goal will this be in a few weeks time? 😮 #LOI
pic.twitter.com/Zbgpqv842f— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) October 9, 2022
Duffer also spoke eloquently about his love for the League of Ireland after an eventful season at Tolka Park.
I might be a blow in here. I'm only here, what nine, ten months? And people have supported the league 30, 40, 50 years. This is my league now as much as them. I've loved every minute of it.
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The League is won?
The win for Shamrock Rovers leaves them in a fantastic position with just four games left this season, as their quest for three Premier Division titles in a row remains intact.
Next up for Stephen Bradley's side is Molde in the UEFA Conference League, before they turn their attention to a trip to Drogheda United and a home game against St. Patrick's Athletic.
Perhaps their most important game comes at the end of the month when they host Derry City, but after last night's win, it gives the Tallaght Stadium outfit some breathing room yet again.
Meanwhile for Shels, they're still in 7th place, but are safe from the drop as they sit 17 points clear of UCD and Finn Harps at the bottom of the table.
Next up for Shelbourne is a huge game against Waterford on Sunday in the FAI Cup semifinal. Damien Duff described the fixture as "the biggest game that Shelbourne Football Club have had in over a decade".
Should Shels overcome Waterford at the weekend as secure a spot in the final, it will cap off a decent first season in charge for the former Chelsea wideman.
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