Larne and Reds set for play-off showdown after more penalty controversy for Crues

You are viewing content from Q North Coast 97.2. Would you like to make this your preferred location?
Over the line - the penalty that was deemed a miss.

Q Radio Sport

Cliftonville will go to Larne in Saturday's European play-off final after dramatic semi-finals on Tuesday night. 

A stoppage time goal from Marty Donnelly gave Larne a 2-1 victory over Glenavon at Inver Park.

In the other tie, Cliftonville beat Crusaders 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out when the 90 minutes and extra-time at Solitude ended scoreless.

But there was controversy as the last penalty for the Crues was ruled out, despite clearly crossing the goal-line.

Michael Ruddy's effort struck the underside of the crossbar and TV replays showed the ball came down a yard behind the line.

The officials failed to spot it and the Reds celebrated victory when the shoot-out should have gone to sudden death.

It's the second controversial shoot-out exit for the Crues in a month after keeper Jonny Tuffey was sent-off for repeatedly coming off the line in the Irish Cup semi-final against Larne at Mourneview Park.

The Shore Road club lodged an official protest, but boss Stephen Baxter seems to be accepting the play-off defeat, saying the officials apologised for the mistake.

A picture from the BBC Sport live coverage that shows Crusaders had a perfectly good penalty ruled out.

Cliftonville celebrate their shoot-out success.

More from Q Radio Local Sport


Join the Thank Q Club

Sign up for the Thank Q Club and receive exclusive offers, fun competitions and amazing prizes - it's quick and easy to do!

Sign Up Log In

Listen on the go

Download the Q Radio app to keep listening, wherever you are! It's available on Apple and Android devices.

Download from the App Store Download from Google Play