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Tennis ball protest: Mick McCarthy's reaction

Mick McCarthy says his main concern about the tennis ball protest at Ireland vs Georgia was the e...



Videos

Tennis ball protest: Mick McCarthy's reaction

Mick McCarthy says his main concern about the tennis ball protest at Ireland vs Georgia was the effect it would have on Ireland's momentum.

Some Irish supporters threw tennis balls onto the pitch on 33 minutes during Ireland's 1-0 win. It was in protest at the FAI and long-time outgoing CEO John Delaney.

Three minutes later, Conor Hourihane scored the Irish winner in the Euro 2020 qualifier.

McCarthy addressed the issue in his post-match press conference.

"I was concerned that it would affect our concentration," he said.

Effects?

"I didn't want to take a free kick and then [Georgia] break on us. But I don't think it affected the game at all."

"I think most fans have come to watch the game and cheer on the team. But some came in to have a pop at the FAI and a pop at other things.

"Look, thankfully it hasn't affected anything and we've won two games. And maybe, we'll all be a bit happier about it."

McCarthy also addressed the Seamus Coleman-Matt Doherty conundrum. Rather than starting both right-backs together on the flank, he started with Coleman this time.

"Seamus Coleman was different class. Doherty came on and did a job, simple as that. I'm unlikely to play them again as I did on Saturday. But I might - I just said it's unlikely," he said.

You can watch the full press conference above via our YouTube channel.

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Euro 2020 Georgia Ireland Mick McCarthy Off The Ball Tennis Ball Tennis Ball Protest