Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley was scathing in his criticism of referee Damien MacGraith, labelling him “the worst in the league” after a controversial late penalty decision cost the Hoops three precious points at Derry City last night.

The League of Ireland title race has been blown wide open after penalty controversy between Derry City and Shamrock Rovers.

A high ball over the top of the Derry defence saw Johnny Kenny race forward and his low pass into the path of Dylan Watts saw the midfielder squeeze a low curling shot inside Brian Maher’s left upright. It was a superb finish.

A controversial late penalty was awarded to Derry and converted by Patrick Hoban, cancelling out Dylan Watts’ 26th-minute opener for Rovers. Elsewhere tonight, league leaders Shelbourne fell to a 1-0 defeat at Galway United.

Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley tore into match referee Damien McGraith after a controversial penalty saw his side slump to a draw against Derry City in the Premier Division. Rovers made the trip Foyleside knowing a win would move them to within a point of second-placed Derry,

Derry City secured a crucial point over rivals Shamrock Rovers in Friday’s League of Ireland Premier Division clash.

STEPHEN Bradley blasted match referee Damien MacGraith for his 'disgusting' decision to award Derry City a stoppage time penalty which earned the Candy Stripes a precious point in the race for the 2024 Premier Division title.

SHAMROCK ROVERS MANAGER Stephen Bradley hit out at the decision to award a late penalty against his side in tonight’s key Premier Division clash at the Brandywell. Bradley saw his team ahead 1-0 in injury-time when referee Damien MacGraith awarded a penalty for what he perceived to be a foul on Derry City’s Patrick McEleney.

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley described referee Damien MacGraith as "the worst in the game" after a controversial penalty decision cost his team three valuable points at the Brandywell.