It seemed like the whole nation came together last night in collective outrage at Jimmy Corcoran's controversial sending off last night as Ireland lost their European Championship quarter final against Holland.
Watch the controversial conclusion to the penalty shoot-out between Ireland and the Netherlands at the Euro U17 Championships. #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/Mm8jln24Pr
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) May 15, 2018
Corcoran was adjudged to have encroached off his line during Holland's fifth penalty, and the stopper was sent off for a second yellow card having initially made a brilliant save to keep out Chelsea's Daishawn Redan. The penalty was eventually retaken with Ireland centre back Oisin McEntee who failed to keep out Redan's second effort.
Corcoran has tweeted out a statement in response to the result, admitting he was in the wrong in light of the penalty decision :
As the dust settles on last night's events I would like to thank everyone for their support. My team mates, friends, family and so many in the sporting world have been unbelievable. Now it's time to accept that although as cruel a blow as it was, the decision was correct and we will move on and learn from it to become stronger. "Play the game not the occasion".
Great to be home ??@FAIreland @S1_Goalkeeping @terryJFT96 pic.twitter.com/U83QGZoSzk
— Jimmy Corcoran (@jimmycorcoran28) May 15, 2018
It would have been easy for Corcoran to come out and chastise Czech official Zbynek Prosk, but his classy statement is definitely the right way to move past the incident going forward in his career.
Corcoran was rightly commended online for his diplomatic response to what at the time must have been an infuriating scenario:
Keep your head up high! You did us all proud. Your future is very bright, last night’s events didn’t change that.
— Peter Szilva (@peterszilva) May 15, 2018
well done young man, a great attitude! you did your country proud, here's hoping you have a good career
— Stephen O'Sullivan (@sullinho15) May 15, 2018
Well said Jimmy??
— Philip Brown (@PhilipBrown69) May 15, 2018
With that attitude, you’ll go a very long way!! All the best on your journey!!
— Martin Gormley (@1sttimedad) May 15, 2018
