Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny said he was “dumbfounded” at the decision not to award his side a penalty in the closing stages of last night’s 0-0 draw with Shamrock Rovers.
Simon Madden appeared to make contact with the ball with his hand as Stephen O’Donnell burst through on goal.
The result means Cork City can now win the league if they take victories in their final two games against Bohemians and the Lilywhites on the final day at Oriel Park.
Kenny told RTÉ: “I just cannot believe we were not given that penalty in the last couple of minutes. I'm dumbfounded. I just can't believe it.
“Stephen O'Donnell is through on goal, one-on-one, and the Rovers defender has come across with his arm raised and clearly knocked the ball with his raised hand. How anyone can justify that not being a penalty - if that is not a penalty I don't know what is.
“I think it was a tight game tonight. Shamrock Rovers set up a three in midfield and certainly they were difficult to break down. We had some chances through Daryl Horgan and Kurtis Byrne particularly in the first half and in the second half but I thought we gave everything.
“The players showed great commitment and I thought we deserved to win it but it didn't quite happen.”
Ahead of Friday’s game with Bray Wanderers, where Dundalk could win the league title if they claim victory and Cork drop points at home to Bohemians, Kenny said they will not be deterred by City’s title hopes receiving such a boost by last night’s result.
He said: “All of these games are always going to be tough against the top sides. The players have been absolutely terrific this season. If you offered us at the start of the season of being a point up with two games to go, we would have been thrilled. We are in a strong position.
“We're not feeling sorry for ourselves. We have Bray Wanderers on Friday in the Carlisle Grounds. It's a tough game, we have to make sure we're right for that. We'll give everything of ourselves.”
