Dungannon Swifts captain Rory Hale was left dumbfounded by a decision by the IFA not to conduct a coin toss to decide what end penalties would be taken at

At the end of extra-time, Hale expected referee Ian McNabb to carry out the usual pre-spot kick ritual, only to be told that a toss was not taking place on the grounds of “safety.”

Cliftonville captain Rory Hale was left dumbfounded by a decision by the IFA not to conduct a coin toss to decide what end penalties would be taken at in Saturday’s Irish Cup final shootout defeat by Dungannon Swifts.

At the end of extra-time, Hale expected referee Ian McNabb to carry out the usual pre-spot kick ritual, only to be told that a toss was not taking place on the grounds of “safety.”

Dungannon went on to win the game shooting into their supporters’ end, with goalkeeper Declan Dunne the hero, saving two of the Reds efforts as the Co Tyrone side won out 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.

John McGovern opened the scoring for the Swifts, only for Shea Kearney to score with a dramatic 30-yard piledriver equaliser in the final minute of the 90.

Although the Reds’ captain did not use the scenario as an excuse for defeat he was clearly miffed by the officials’ decision.

“There was no toss for a penalty shootout,” the midfieler said.

“I went over to do the toss for what end the penalties would be taken at and was told there would be no toss and the decision was made.

Read more:

“I’m not using that as excuse though, the penalties could have still ended up the same way, so we are not using it as an excuse (for the loss) one bit, on the record.

“There was just one coin toss and that was for who was to go first, I won that and chose to go first.”

Despite being advised in the post-match conference that Cliftonville had in fact agreed to the change in pre-shootout ritual, Hale and manager Jim Magilton claimed not to be aware of this leading to the following statement being released by an IFA representative@:

“The decision to hold the penalty shootout at the East Stand end was made with player safety and welfare as the top priority, following concerns over the large number of missiles and projectiles thrown onto the pitch from the West Stand end.”

While the conversation is sure to continue on the matter, Cliftonville must reassess and regather their thoughts as they are now thrust into the European play-off process that begins with a semi-final against Glentoran on Wednesday night.

“We are away to Glentoran now, and it is really up to the senior players like myself (to perform),” Hale said.

“We can’t cry over spilt milk. Yes, it is really disheartening. Personally speaking, I have put a lot in this season.

“It has been a really emotional season, the young players have gone through a lot.

“From the highs of winning a trophy, to the lows of losing a teammate,” Hale explained in relation to the death of Michael Newberry.

“So, it is up to Jim, the staff, myself, Jonny Addis and Joe Gormley to get the boys up and ready for Wednesday.

“We need European football.”