Republic of Ireland supporters have flocked to social media demanding an investigation into a ‘siren noise’ during their penalty shootout defeat against Czechia. The Boys in Green were eliminated from the shootout in Prague after a 2-2 draw. Things had started perfectly for Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side, who established an early 2-0 advantage through Troy Parrott and an own goal from Czechia goalkeeper Matej Kovar. However, strikes from Patrik Schick and Ladislav Krejci saw the hosts draw level.
With extra time failing to divide the two sides, the contest went to a penalty shootout. While Parrott, Adam Idah and Robbie Brady converted their penalties, Kovar atoned for his earlier own goal by denying spot kicks from Finn Azaz and Alan Browne. Four of Czechia’s five penalty takers hit the back of the net, securing their side’s progression to the play-off final. The defeat ended Ireland’s aspirations of competing in this summer’s World Cup finals.
Flooding social media during and after the penalty shootout, Ireland fans highlighted a loud siren noise that was audible throughout.
Some claimed it was even a calculated tactic from the home team to distract their players.
One posted: « So the ambulance siren only happens when we’re taking our penalties?!?!!!! »
Another said: « I’m not a bitter man, but I hope the Czechs and their police siren guy have a miserable miserable experience in the second round. Also, that they meet a referee who is willing and able to book them. »
A third supporter wrote: « FIFA need to investigate the Czech v Republic game. Every time an Ireland player stepped forward for a pen a siren of some kind went off. Absolute farce. »
« So when’s the investigation going to be done into the siren that Czech fans kept setting off when Ireland were taking their penalties?? » wrote one social media user.
Further calls for FIFA to probe the incident followed, with another fan posting: « There has to be an investigation into that penalty shootout, the Czechs playing a loud siren every time the Irish took their pen is disgraceful!
« Can’t believe we’ve lost that, the better side overall with by far the better chances, » a sixth supporter wrote. « Should be an investigation into that siren during the Ireland penalties too. »
A seventh added: « The Czech cheated, pausing before the pens were kicked to see where the goalie was going and then blaring a siren when Ireland were taking their pens to distract them. »
Czechia will face Denmark in their World Cup qualifiers play-off final on Tuesday night, with the victors securing their place at the tournament finals in North America.
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