Leahy left referee with 50-50 shout
DARRAGH LEAHY broke one of the cardinal rules for any footballer when he won the ball and followed through with a tackle on his man inside the penalty box: don’t give the referee a decision to make.
It is one of football’s oxymorons, drilled into players by managers and coaches so it becomes ingrained in their understanding of the game. Just like cries of ‘man on,’ ‘turn out’ and ‘switch’ should be instinctive, so too is the realisation that you don’t give the ref the opportunity to blow against you.
There is simply no getting away from it happening, of course, especially when it’s a 50-50. It’s just a sad fact that on this occasion there is a seriously talented 21year-old prospect who has suffered. He will learn from it, and this was certainly one harsh lesson to take.
Leahy had no choice but to go for the bouncing ball after Ian Morris’ wayward headed clearance put Bohemians in trouble. It is five days now since the Gypsies had the rug ripped from under them in the dying stages against Cork City, but as the initial anger subsides, manager Keith Long and his players will know that nobody was trying to pull the wool over their eyes.
With a place in next month’s Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup final so agonisingly close, referee Rob Rogers’ decision to take the guidance of the official behind the goal means the last-four replay takes place on Monday (RTÉ, 7.30pm). It was a prime example of how the sounds of live football can hold as much sway as the sights right in front of you. From Home Game’s vantage point at the tunnel around 30 yards away, the sound of Leahy and Conor McCarthy colliding felt bone shattering and, instantly, the feeling was that it was a penalty.
Seemingly, there was another person nearby in a position of power who had a similarly visceral reaction. The decision sparked relentless debate. Was it or wasn’t it a penalty?
Naturally, the home supporters were instantly furious with the decision. When Kieran Sadlier converted from the spot they broke into a chorus of foul-mouthed abuse of the FAI.
Ironic in the extreme considering John Delaney and the Association worked so closely with the current Bohs board to help plans for the redevelopment of Dalymount Park get the green light.
It was understandable frustration and as everyone, including Dublin Gaelic footballer Philly McMahon, posted video stills of Leahy winning the ball to prove their argument, it was all redundant.
Long knows that deep down, too. The Bohs boss was adamant in his interview with RTÉ afterwards (which he almost didn’t do for fear of saying something he regretted) that it wasn’t a penalty.
It’s a decision that will continue to divide opinion and, depending on the outcome of the replay, one which will be re-told as the reason for the fairytale for one club turning into a nightmare.
Regardless of the divisive nature, everyone should now be on the same page when it comes to the golden rule: don’t give the referee a decision to make.