The Irish Soccer Referee's Society have condemned Stephen Bradley's post-match comments on referee Damien MacGraith following Shamrock Rovers' 1-1 draw away to Derry City last Friday, accusing the Hoops boss of engaging in "personalised vilification".
MacGraith awarded a disputed injury-time penalty to the hosts, deeming that Patrick McEleney had been tripped by Josh Honohan.
Replays indicated that no contact had taken place and Pat Hoban dispatched the penalty to secure a draw for Derry - maintaining the gap between the sides at four points, subsequently whittled down to one after the Hoops derby success on Monday.
In his post-match interview, Bradley lambasted the decision, labelling it "disgraceful" and calling the referee "the worst in the league" and "so poor."
Derry City 1-1 Shamrock Rovers
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The hosts equalise as Patrick Hoban converts a highly contentious penalty
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Last night, the ISRS President Sean Slattery issued a statement condemning Bradley's outburst, saying his comments should not be tolerated.
"The Irish Soccer Referees Society wish to condemn, in the strongest possible manner, the comments made by Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley, following the Derry City v Shamrock Rovers game last Friday September 20th.
"His personalised vilification in the media of one of our most valued members, Damien Mac Graith in his post match interviews, has no place in sport.
"Statements like "He's the worst in the league", among others should not be tolerated. The respect campaign needs to be more than words."
The last sentence hints at frustration among referees that the FAI have taken no action against Bradley following the comments. Last season Damien Duff received a one-game ban for 'disparaging comments' made about official Paul McLaughlin.
The experienced MacGraith, from Mayo, has previously reffed the 2022 FAI Cup final and officiated at the 2015 UEFA Super Cup between Barcelona and Sevilla, assisting Scottish ref Willie Colum.
With five games remaining in their league campaign, champions Shamrock Rovers, pursuing an unprecedented fifth title on the trot, are currently in third, trailing leaders Shelbourne by four points and second Derry by one, though they have played a game more than both.
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