Some Ireland fans have blasted Matt Doherty for his performance against Slovakia yesterday after the Republic of Ireland suffered penalty shootout heartbreak in their Euro qualifier play-off.
With Seamus Coleman out injured, the Spurs right-back got the nod to start in the all-important playoff match at Bratislava last night.
Stephen Kenny’s side gave a decent account of themselves for the majority of the encounter and had chances to win the game both in normal time as well as extra time.
However, their failure to take their chances pushed the game into a penalty shootout, with Slovakia ending Ireland’s hopes of an appearance in next summer’s tournament.
While all four players who stepped up for the home side converted, Alan Browne saw his effort saved for Ireland while Doherty hit the woodwork to seal their fate.
Some Irish fans were critical of the 28-year-old’s performance in the game and suggested that he should have not been allowed to take a spot-kick.
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Each fan base always seems to have a scapegoat when results do not go as planned and for Ireland fans that seems to be Doherty. It is understandable given that they have strong cover at right-back but in reality, the Spurs man can hardly be faulted for the loss yesterday. He helped kept a clean sheet and provided a lot of energy down the right flank. He deserves credit for stepping up to take a pressure penalty.
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