Angry James McClean says Austria played with '12 men'
James McClean was furious with the officiating in the Republic of Ireland's 1-1 draw with Austria yesterday.
Martin O'Neill's side had fought back from 1-0 down in their World Cup qualifying match to equalise through Jonathan Walters with five minutes to go.
Shane Duffy then bundled the ball over the line, but the winner was ruled out. “Look, I know in this day and age, the slightest wee thing you say about a referee, you get fined and that,” said McClean afterwards. “But you watched the game, you tell me.
“They had a 12th man today. That’s all I’ll say on that. I’m really disappointed. We should have came away from that game with three points but we didn’t.”
McClean, who played the full 90 minutes for Ireland, admitted the team weren't 'at it' against Austria.
“I can’t put my finger on it," he said. "It was disappointing to go in at half-time 1-0 but look, we rallied around. We had a go in the second half. That shows the character we’ve got here.
“On another day we’d take them chances. We’re not cursing the referee’s decision. It is what it is. Jonny rescued us, great finish. I thought he was amazing today. Look, we’ll keep going.”
