Ireland score - Blow it up ref!

Ireland got their Euro 2016 last 16 game against France off to the perfect start - taking a 1-0 lead thanks to a Robbie Brady penalty.

The peno from INSIDE the stadium!#COYBIG #IRLFRA pic.twitter.com/taLvKOgAhz

— Today FM 💛 (@TodayFM) June 26, 2016

The spotter was awarded after Shane Long was fouled in the box - finally some justice for a striker who has endured plenty of rough treatment in the tournament so far.

But it’s a long, long way to the final whistle and fans are nervous.

So a lot of people are making the same, optimistic, request of the referee.

Blow it up ref 😂 #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/btyN8MjW9W

— Brian Killoran (@BriKi) June 26, 2016

You can blow it up now ref... #IRLFRA

— Paul Byrne (@byrnepu) June 26, 2016

Dream start, 1-0 Ireland! Blow it up ref!! #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/h2AuACjbTP

— sportsfile (@sportsfile) June 26, 2016

After all, it’s been known to happen in other sports.

Blow it up to f**k ref #IREvFRA 🇮🇪🇮🇪

— Colm O Neill (@crossbar13) June 26, 2016

#FRAIRL Blow it up Ref! Anyone in the #GAA have a number for Jimmy Cooney?! @offtheball pic.twitter.com/sN2h1ib6J9

— David Mc Mahon (@davidmcma) June 26, 2016

Where oh where is Jimmy Cooney when you need him?? #BlowitUp

— Derrick Lynch (@DLynchSport) June 26, 2016

Some are even trying to offer justification

It’s unlikely to happen, but you can’t blame a nation for trying.

via GIPHY