Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Vincent Whelan

Ireland fans in disbelief as FOUR goals are ruled out for offside versus Lithuania

30,866 Ireland fans turned up for what was always going to be the lesser light of this international window.

And while the match proved to be a sleepy occasion both in terms of the action on the pitch as well as the subdued atmosphere compared to Saturday, there was one very rare talking point to emerge.

Four times The Boys in Green had the ball in Lithuania's net yet each time they were denied by the referee and his lineman.

Now in every instance it was the correct decision.

Firstly, Chiedozie Ogbene strayed just offside before converting Ryan Manning's low cross after about 10 minutes.

Then after the break Conor Hourihane's effort was ruled out as Callum Robinson did obstruct his view.

Celebrations were repeatedly cut short (©INPHO/Ryan Byrne)

Ogbene was again left frustrated as although he sufficiently checked his run this time, James McClean had jumped the gun in making his run into the visitor's box before squaring it across.

And lastly, sub Scott Hogan was flagged as he controlled a hopeful punt before dispatching in impressive fashion.

Overall Ireland couldn't feel too sorry for themselves as their performance was a letdown after the recent trend of them putting it up to some of the better sides in Europe.

While Troy Parrott did eventually nab himself a deserved goal for his efforts in the 96th minute, it does continue an alarming pattern of us not being able to make life easy for ourselves against the minnows when you consider Lithuania are ranked 88 spots below us.

Fans took to social media throughout the game to bemoan the lack of any Irish luck before Parrott saved the day.

Ryan said: "Ireland with a casual 4 offside goals in a 0-0 (laughing emoji)."

And Shane added: "Four Ireland goals ruled out for offside now. Just let the next one stand like.

"Anyone going to Lansdowne on a Tuesday night deserves something."

While Peter joked: "Boom! What a hit from Parrott! Half expected it to get called back for offside too!"

Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.