Stephen Kenny: 'We have watched the incident back and it was a blatant penalty'

The Ireland boss fumed at the decision not to award Aaron Connolly a penalty

Republic of Ireland head coach Stephen Kenny on the touchline during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying match at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade, Serbia.  

Stephen Kenny bemoaned a “blatant penalty” call going against his Ireland side at a critical stage after Serbia claimed a 3-2 victory in Wednesday’s opening World Cup qualifier.

A second-half brace from substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic proved decisive in Belgrade but the Ireland boss highlighted the refusal of Italian referee Davide Massa to penalise Stefan Mitrovic for a challenge on Aaron Connolly as pivotal to the game’s complexion.