Both Martin O'Neill and James McClean could miss some crucial World Cup qualifiers over comments both made about referee David Fernández Borbalán following Ireland's 1-1 draw with Austria earlier this month.
After a poor opening half, Ireland came back into the game and felt they were denied a winner through Shane Duffy. The Ireland centre-half's late goal was disallowed for a foul on fullback Stefan Lainer.
In a post match interview with RTÉ's Tony O'Donoghue, McClean described the Spanish official as being Austria's 12th man.
James McClean on the performance of the referee: "You tell me. They had a 12th man today." pic.twitter.com/f0rpxyqkja
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 11, 2017
Martin O'Neill was also critical of the referee.
I'm delighted to have got the equaliser and I thought that we had a legitimate, good goal disallowed. The referee wasn't totally to blame for our performance in the first half, but I thought he was very poor in the game.
Considering he was letting things go during the course of the game - that's fine, I like referees who let things go -- but he seemed to be penalising us a great deal.
In a statement released to The Times Ireland, FIFA confirmed that disciplinary proceedings have been opened against both men because of their comments.
We can confirm that disciplinary proceedings have been opened for such statements. Be informed that two cases were opened: one against James McClean and another one against the coach Martin O’Neill. Please understand that we can’t make any further comments since the matter is ongoing.
Both O'Neill and McClean have until Friday to respond.
Ireland's next World Cup qualifiers are away to Georgia on September 2nd and then at home to current group leaders Serbia on September 5th.
Picture credit: Sportsfile
