Tim Clancy furious about Cork City penalty call be being waved away

SSE Airtricity First Division: Cork City 1 (Coffey 7) Wexford 1 (Harnett 43) 

Tim Clancy was left feeling frustrated after Cork City’s long-awaited return to Turner’s Cross ended in a stalemate.

Ireland U17 prospect Kaylem Harnett halted their 100% home record with just his second senior goal and the first City have conceded on Leeside all year.

Another 16-year-old international, Jaden Umeh, had teed up Barry Coffey for an early lead but Clancy rued the rare concession.

“We feel like we’ve dropped points there,” he said. “We were in total control. It’s frustrating because they didn’t open us up at any stage.” 

Set pieces looked City’s most likely route for a winner and Clancy was infuriated by referee Marc Lynch waving away a penalty appeal after Cian Coleman was brought down in the box.

“I don’t know when a rule in football has come in that a player doesn’t have to face the ball and can put both arms around the attacking player who’s trying to run at the ball and then just rugby tackle him to the ground. Apparently, that’s ‘two players were at it.’ 

“Cian is a threat from set pieces and he’s attacking the ball. Ethan Boyle isn’t facing the ball. His number is to the ball and he’s both arms around Cian. No intention of playing the ball or even trying to go for it. Apparently, that’s allowed these days. I was told that’s ‘a bit of both’.

“I’ve watched it back and if you’re not getting penalties for that, I’m not sure what you are going to get penalties for.” 

Still, Cobh Ramblers did their neighbours a favour ahead of Friday’s Cork derby by defeating second-placed UCD. Unbeaten in 14, City’s lead at the top increases to eight points.

The Turner’s Cross sod looked in immaculate condition in front of 2,669 fans and held