Irish football chiefs are taking legal advice over claims that Republic of Ireland players managed a shot on target during a training session this morning.
Stephen Kenny’s men arrived in Dublin yesterday to begin preparations for Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with Bulgaria.
The Football Association of Ireland has described the allegations, made in The Sofia Echo, as ‘baseless’ and have vowed to take the matter further.
Wednesday’s Nations League clash with Bulgaria marks 18 years since the Republic of Ireland last mustered a shot on goal.
Goalkeeper Darren Randolph, who took part in this morning’s session, strenuously denied the claims.
“A load of absolute nonsense,” snapped the 33-year-old West Ham veteran.
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“Hours I stood between those posts and never laid a glove on the ball.”
The former Motherwell ‘keeper also revealed he was sent-off during the first half of an 11v11 game which ended 0-0.
“Mark Travers has just punted one up the pitch and I’ve come rushing out of my box to punch the ball,” he explained.
“I dunno why I did it? Bored sh*less I suppose. Anyway, we were playing under match conditions so I got my marching orders.
“The gaffer decided not to bring on a sub goalie. Maybe he wanted to see if the other team could seize the advantage?
“Alas, they still couldn’t score,” sighed the ex-Birmingham City No1.
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A statement said: “The Football Association of Ireland completely refutes the allegations made about the ‘shot on target’ during this morning’s training session.
“As I’m sure our fans will tell you, none of these players couldn’t hit a cow’s arse with a banjo.
“We are consulting our legal advisers in relation to The Sofia Echo article and will be taking further steps.”
In other news, Bulgaria’s ambassador to the UN said that live screening Republic of Ireland games openly violates the Geneva Convention and is a ‘crime against humanity’.
Ambassador Ivan Stoichkov said: “The Bulgarian people have not been subjected to such unspeakable cruelty at the hands of the Irish since Jedward performed ‘Lipstick’ at the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest.”
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