Monaghan boss: 'That will be really hard to take if that is true, that a point was waved wide'

Monaghan's Bobby McCaul, who had scored 1-1 off the bench, suffered a serious-looking knee injury during the second half

Monaghan's Bobby McCaul had a point waved wide during the second half which many thought should have been given as a score. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Monaghan manager Gabriel Bannigan admitted it would be “gutting” if Bobby McCaul’s second-half shot that was waved wide was actually over the bar.

The home side lost out by a point on a 1-24 to 2-20 scoreline at St. Tiernach's Park, Clones against Mayo.

In the 42nd minute with the score 1-18 to 0-10, substitute McCaul rifled a shot at the posts. It was waved wide at the time.

RTÉ commentator Darragh Maloney initially thought it was over. Co-commentator Enda McGinley also felt like it was a score. Former Monaghan footballer Conor McManus argued that it should have been awarded post-match.

“I don’t think we need it (Hawk-Eye) here, to be perfectly honest with you,” he said. “I think the ball is straight over the bar. It comes out to Bobby, outside of his foot, that is straight over the bar.” 

Speaking to the Irish Examiner post-match, Bannigan said he would be even more disappointed if it turns out a mistake was made.

“Look, obviously from where I was, I couldn’t see that. I didn’t know that was the case. If it was, it is going to make it even tougher. One-point defeat, if that is the case, if there was a point waved wide, it shouldn’t happen with two umpires there. It should not happen.

“If it did, that is even more gutting for all of us because a lot of things went against us there today, including the injuries and a couple of other things that went against us at different times. That will be really hard to take if that is true, that a point was waved wide.” 

McCaul had an immense impact off the bench, scoring 1-1. His goal was superb. It was a huge blow when the towering forward went down clutching his knee on the hour mark.

The young prospect suffered an ACL injury last year while playing U20 football.

“It is an emotional dressing room, mainly because of that. He was brilliant. He was causing havoc. But that is, unfortunately, real bad luck for him and bad luck for us.” 

He continued: “Same knee. Looks like the knee again, it doesn’t look good.

“He could have had a couple of goals before his injury. He got a great point. It is such a shame. Whatever about the game, it is just a shame to see a young lad coming off with a bad injury. Second year in a row, it is a big blow. But he is made of bloody good stuff; he will be back.

“He is a clubman of mine, from a brilliant family. His dad would have played for years with me. Bobby is a great kid. From the moment I got a chance to bring him in here, I was bringing him in. He has a big future ahead of him.”