Glentoran manager Declan Devine says he is “gutted” after league leaders Larne netted a late equaliser against his side, who were shown two red cards, at Inver Park.
Paul O’Neill’s penalty on 21 minutes gave the home side the lead before two goals from Pat Hoban flipped the game on its head.
However, goalscorer Hoban was then dismissed with Gary Haveron’s side awarded another penalty deep into stoppage time and Andy Ryan able to convert the rebound of his effort.
“The game itself is an entertaining game, I thought we were very much in control of our own destiny,” Devine told BBC Sport NI.
“The sending offs are ridiculous and if they are given then three or four players are sent off in every game.
“I don’t think Larne caused us that many problems to be honest, a couple of half chances. I am just gutted for the players, the quality that they showed and that, again, we come here and every decision in the game goes against you.”
As well as Hoban’s dismissal, Cooney also picked up a straight red card after the final whistle following an altercation with referee Shane Andrews with Devine adding that decision was “farce”.
“The players deserve huge credit as they delivered everything we asked of them and even when down to 10, we were very comfortable and to give the second penalty is inexcusable in the 95th minute,” Devine continued.
“To send Ryan Cooney off after the game is a farce, an absolute farce.
“We are trying to make the league professional and a really high level. It is the players, managers and staff’s livelihoods and for people to make decisions like they did tonight, I have no words.”
However, Larne manager Haveron disagreed with Devine and added that his side should have had another penalty when it appeared that Jarlath O’Rourke used his hand to block Ryan’s effort.
“There was a bit of drama at the end. We weren’t at our best, but I always say when you’re not at your best then don’t lose,” Haveron said.
“It’s a stonewall penalty. They can say whatever they want but his hand was high. The one with Jarlath O’Rourke is a shocking decision. It really was shocking and it could have cost us massively if we lost the game.
“That could make a difference in the run in. It’s really poor and there’s no excuses for it, it was on the line. It needs to be looked at, in my opinion. He got one right, but the one with 10 or 15 minutes to go he handled the ball on the line.”
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