Watch: Bizarre refereeing decision denies Cork City last-gasp equaliser in Wexford

Wexford Youths made it four wins from five with a 2-1 victory at home to Cork City on Saturday but controversy reigned late on as Cork were denied a late equaliser.

Rianna Jarrett's double, either side of an Eabha O'Mahony penalty, looked to have given Wexford the win as the game ticked towards the final whistle.

Christina Dring, however, thought she’d grabbed a late point for the Rebel Army deep in injury time when her low shot beat Maeve Williams in the Youths goal but was called back for a foul.

A foul – that is – in her own favour rather than a foul on the defender, as referee Fran Sinnott decided to award the free kick while the ball was in motion towards the net.

Dring had done brilliantly to evade the efforts of Orlaith Conlon to tug her back by the shirt and aimed a low shot that evaded Williams and nestled in the corner.

There appeared to be some contact from Conlon but Dring wriggled free and the referee appeared happy to let play continue, only to blow split-seconds before the ball hit the net.

The referee’s official on the sideline isn’t seen in the video, so it’s unclear whether the referee initially blew for the foul or another perceived offence.

Dring, her Cork City teammates and management were equal parts bemused and distraught at the decision, which sees them ahead of DLR Waves in fifth place only on goal difference.

There may be implications for the title race, also, as a draw would have stretched Peamount’s lead at the top to seven points and seen Shelbourne move into second.



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