James McClean & Martin O'Neill Facing FIFA Charges
James McClean and Martin O'Neill are in trouble with FIFA.
They both criticised the referee, after Ireland's 1-all draw with Austria earlier this month.
Shane Duffy had a late potential winner ruled out by the Spanish ref- David Fernández Borbalán.
McClean described the ref as “Austria’s 12th man”, speaking to RTE after the game:
O'Neill was also critical of the referee, insisting he felt Ireland "had a legitimate, good goal disallowed.
“The referee wasn't totally to blame for our performance in the first half, but I thought he was very poor in the game.”
The Times Ireland is reporting that FIFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against both men.
“We can confirm that disciplinary proceedings have been opened for such statements”, FIFA told the Times Ireland.
“Be informed that two cases were opened: one against James McClean and another one against the coach Martin O’Neill.
“Please understand that we can’t make any further comments since the matter is ongoing.
They reportedly have until Friday to respond to the charges and could face a ban if found guilty.
Ireland have four World Cup qualifiers left in their group- away to Georgia and home to Serbia in September, before finishing the qualifying campaign in October at home to Moldova and away to Wales.