CHARLIE FROM THE STANDS: Dives, cards and Hoban

It has become a theme of my League of Ireland commentary in this column, but again, the standard of refereeing in the League has come into question – and rightfully so.

On Monday last, Shamrock Rovers comprehensively overcame Drogheda United at Tallaght Stadium, missing essentially what could be classed as eight of their starting XI. The ‘understrength’ Rovers disposed of Kevin Doherty’s side whilst being without the services of Jack Byrne, Aaron McEneff, Rory Gaffney, Sean Hoare, Neil Farrugia, Gary O’Neill, Markus Poom and Graham Burke. But the 4-0 win was marred by one incident which has dragged into the week.

If you haven’t seen it, Jack Keaney’s red card for Drogheda in the 70th minute opens up a discussion around the referees again in the domestic game, and indeed the appeal process.

Granted it is easier to comment when you can watch back evidence over and over again, but having watched the game on LOITV, it was as clear as day that Keaney didn’t even get close enough to foul Johnny Kenny, never mind taking him out while bearing down on goal. However, Keaney was shown a straight red card and Drogheda were down to ten men.

Recently, I spoke on our weekly Off The Ball segment about the gap between the top refs in the country – namely Neil Doyle and Paul McLaughlin, and the likes of Rob Hennessy and Rob Harvey. You may think that I am bashing specific referees, and at times, I agree – it does come across that way.

Despite my criticism of Hennessy, I will hold my hands up and commend his display at Dalymount during Derry City’s tie with Bohemians a few weeks back. In particular, his decision not to award Dylan Connolly a penalty after a 1v1 with Brian Maher was a very good call, considering in real-time it looked every bit a penalty.

However, a good call does not eliminate the bad calls we have seen from him throughout the season already. Namely the decision not to send off Pohls in Sligo for his hatch job on Power, there is a theme here if I am not mistaken.

When referees are poor, you would expect then that an appeals process would be able to help with any questionable decisions should a club wish to address them in a formal fashion.

Whilst putting the finishing touches on this article, the FAI released a statement that left me dumbfounded, withholding Keaney’s suspension – an outrageous decision. Another outrageous thing is the arrogance of the FAI’s statement, offering absolutely no explanation as to why the appeal was unsuccessful. You would have to presume that Kevin Doherty and Drogheda were given a more detailed response.

For me, an appeals process must be straight-forward and remain neutral from the referee union’s ego-trip. But one thing I would like to see during these appeals is the offending players, be it for a dive or dissent, brought before the appeal committee and simply asked the question - why? And if the answer isn’t sufficient, then he should receive a one-match ban. Use the process to deter such actions in the game.

Decisive

It is tightening up nicely at the top of the league but with Shamrock Rovers going to Dalymount for another Dublin Derby and Derry City away to Galway United, it seems like every weekend has the potential to decisive in the title race.

Coming away from the RSC with three points this season will be a challenge many sides will struggle with, and that made Derry City’s victory over Waterford all the more pleasing last week. Waterford will be scrapping for every point this season, and Derry will face something similar as they travel west to face John Caulfield’s Galway United this week.

Galway will be buoyed by their 1-1 draw with Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght, and will know that their home advantage will mean a tough night at the office for Ruaidhri Higgins’ side.

One player that has come under fire for Derry City so far this season, Daniel Kelly, showed exactly why the club wanted his signature. His involvement in the second goal cannot be underestimated, similar to his assist against Rovers the week previous. His pace and directness has caused headaches for defenders throughout the league for years, and he is beginning to show glimpses of what made him so effective during his time at Oriel Park.

Indeed, his fellow new arrival, Pat Hoban, makes Derry City a whole different proposition. His mannerisms are evident – something we haven’t seen at the Brandywell in recent years. After 68 minutes and with Derry a goal to the good, Hoban chased down the referee and asks him to hurry Waterford up on a throw-in. This urgency could have been for a number of reasons – could he smell blood? Derry have struggled to see games out when ahead in recent seasons.

Hoban is ruthless on the pitch. His hunger and desire is clear to see, and his frustrations sometimes even clearer. He wants goals. He expects standards around him. Keeping him fit and leading the line will be imperative in Derry’s form.

Readers will know of my admiration for Damien Duff and what he is doing with his Shelbourne side. In Duff’s words, his team were ‘back to their best’ last week, and that continued this week, overcoming St Pat’s in another Dublin derby. Shifting to an aggressive 4-2-3-1 formation, Shels were on the front foot from the first minute and showed Pat’s that they were ready for a battle. But aggression must be controlled, and Shelbourne showed this in abundance. Controlled and clinical, Shels looked like title contenders against a St Pat’s side that was as toothless as ever.

Jon Daly’s side overcame Shamrock Rovers a few weeks ago in a result that appears to just have papered over the cracks. St Pats are not a bad side with bad players - far from it, but they have very little drive and focal point. The high hopes for the Mason Melia / Ruairi Keating partnership up top has yet to bear any fruits, and this will be a growing concern for Jon Daly and all at Inchicore the longer it continues.

In Louth, there were a few eyebrows raised when Noel King was appointed manager of Dundalk after Stephen O’Donnell’s dismissal. I have been asking a few ex-players and fans much, much older than me what he was like when he managed Derry City, and the conclusion was that he is a manager that allows players to play, gives confidence and is attacking in mindset and personnel.

He has a mammoth task in turning things around at Oriel Park, and it will be interesting to see what role, if any, he has in strengthening his squad during the transfer window (keep an eye out for next week’s column).