Dundalk will have to wait a short while long before learning whether it is to be Bohemians or Cork City who await them in this year's FAI Cup final.
In an exhilarating game at Dalymount Park this evening, the cup holders Cork left it late to grab an equaliser; Kieran Sadlier converting from the penalty spot to cancel out Dinny Corcoran's opener for Bohs.
However, with only a few minutes remaining for John Caulfield's men to salvage something from a progressively disappointing season, Darragh Leahy was adjudged to have fouled Cork substitute Conor McCarthy in the box.
Taking a few seconds to confirm his decision, the referee appeared to award the penalty after some consultation with the official behind the goal.
At first glance, it certainly appeared that Leahy had crashed through McCarthy and committed a heedless foul.
Check again, and it becomes clear that Leahy did indeed connect with the ball before colliding with McCarthy.
A decision that ultimately determined a replay in Turner's Cross will be necessary to separate these two sides on Monday week, you can decide for yourself whether the referee was correct to make the call.
Cork have a controversial penalty as Leahy wins the ball but also takes the man. It's a harsh one, what do you think? pic.twitter.com/oWvK98ojRC
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) September 30, 2018
Needless to say, the reaction to the referee's decision was varied, to say the least.
Missed the penalty but I see it’s in the range of ‘stonewaller’ to ‘absolute robbery’
— Dodge (@seidodge) September 30, 2018
Shocking decision #BohsCork Cork absolutely Did Not deserve that!!!
— Eamon Zayed (@EamonZayed) September 30, 2018
Another horrendous decision from an official in FAI Cup semi final this weekend. Never a penalty!!
— Alan Cawley (@alancaw) September 30, 2018
Thats a penalty all day for me, High and wreckless in the box with stoods showing! Regardless if Leahy got the ball.
— Jason O'Connor (@Jayoconnor8) September 30, 2018
Never been a penalty in the Bohs and Cork game 🙈
— Aaron McCarey (@mccareyA1) September 30, 2018
Despite the long wait after the awarding of the penalty, Sadlier made no mistake from the spot.
Kieran Sadlier equalises for Cork City late in this FAI Cup semi-final replay. pic.twitter.com/bsTJP2hktx
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) September 30, 2018
