Richardson may face action over outburst
Emmet Malone Soccer correspondent
Cork City manager Damien Richardson faces possible disciplinary action by the Eircom League after launching an emotional attack on Merrion Square administrators and Ian Stokes, the referee who oversaw his side's defeat by Longford Town in the FAI Cup on Friday night.
Speaking after the game at Flancare Park, Richardson expressed dismay that Stokes, an official he had already criticised this season, had been given the cup tie at short notice after the withdrawal of Dave McKeon.
The Dublin official infuriated the City boss with his handling of the game, not least for the penalty he awarded Longford late on for an alleged trip by goalkeeper Michael Devine on Dave Mooney.
Longford equalised from the spot kick and went on to win the game while Devine faces a suspension after being sent off as a result of the incident. Television replays subsequently showed that the referee had been mistaken in penalising the goalkeeper as no contact had been made with the striker.
Richardson is likely to receive a substantial fine from the league for his post-match comments which included allegations of incompetence against veteran Merrion Square officials and a clear suggestion that the club was being targeted for unfavourable treatment because of his previous comments
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