League of Ireland referees 'firing out cards to managers all too easily' - Stephen O’Donnell

Derry City manager Ruaidhrí Higgins with referee Rob Harvey after the game against Bohemians earlier this month. Picture: INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Stephen O’Donnell has sympathy for under-fire League of Ireland referees but has echoed the disappointment expressed by his fellow managers at the volume of sideline red cards.

Eyebrows were raised when Derek Tomney was appointed to St Patrick’s Athletic’s FAI Cup quarter-final against Wexford last Friday, just six days after his controversial performance in a league game.