Hoops boss Stephen Bradley says VAR would be ‘positive addition to the league’

Shamrock Rovers Head Coach Stephen Bradley was left angry with his team’s 1-1 draw in Derry on Friday night after referee Damien MacGraith awarded the Candystripes a controversial late penalty that was converted in injury time to cancel out Dylan Watts first half goal.

In the last two seasons in Rovers’ dozen European games, VAR has been available to the match officials.

The Hoops were awarded a penalty via VAR in Iceland last season and PAOK had a goal chalked off against the Hoops by VAR in their Europa League play-off in Greece for a foul on  Gary O’Neill.

Bradley believes that the introduction of VAR to the League of Ireland would be a welcome one. "I think it would definitely help - there is no doubt about it,” said Bradley speaking about the availability of VAR in domestic matches to shamrockrovers.ie ahead of Monday’s match in Tallaght Stadium against Bohemians.

“VAR would be a positive addition to the league but I'm not sure how viable it is to be honest. It would help get decisions like that on Friday correct."

The decision on Friday saw referee Damien MacGraith award a spot kick when Patrick McEleney went down in the box in front of Josh Honohan with replays showing there was no contact between the players

“It is a really difficult one to take. I'm still really angry about it. It is clear for everyone to see what happened. The assistant referee also needs to help out the referee. They speak throughout the game and it is such a big decision.

"He is ten yards away and has nobody in his way. He can see it quite clearly but obviously he is not strong enough."

The Hoops face Bohemians on Monday night in Tallaght where Rovers are unbeaten against Bohs in the last nine games including eight wins.

Bohs boss Alan Reynolds admits side still have ‘work to do’ to avoid relegation playoff - https://t.co/94rjArr8tjhttps://t.co/8O7Cpct8hS

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