Kevin Doyle has landed himself in hot water with Liverpool supporters for scolding Dominik Szoboszlai after Ireland staged an incredible late fightback against Hungary to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
An inspired midweek victory over Group F leaders Portugal had given Ireland renewed hope of reaching the play-offs, with Troy Parrott scoring twice as Cristiano Ronaldo was shown a red card on a famous night in Dublin.
But Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men still required victory on Sunday to progress – and their chances were dealt a major blow as Barnabas Varga’s stunning strike restored Hungary’s lead after earlier efforts from Parrott and Daniel Lukacs.
Following a tense start to the second half, Parrott again found the net to make it all square with ten minutes remaining of normal time in Budapest. It was the AZ Alkmaar striker’s 16th goal in 15 games for club and country this season.
And just as Ireland fans were beginning to resign themselves to another missed opportunity, the former Tottenham forward was in the right place at the right time to poke home from close range and complete his hat-trick in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
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The last-gasp goal sparked jubilant scenes amongst the travelling support in Hungary, and in bars and living rooms across Ireland, with guaranteed a play-off spot in either Pot 2 or Pot 3.
An ecstatic Doyle could not contain his emotions while celebrating Parrott’s dramatic late winner, with the ex-Ireland, Reading and Wolves attacker filmed running laps of the RTE studio.
But it was what Doyle said in the immediate aftermath which has caused a stir amongst Liverpool fans, who have since come out in support of their man Dominik Szoboszlai.
‘Ah, suck on that you Liverpool c***!’ Doyle yelled while gesturing towards the television screen in the studio.
‘Sorry, Didi,’ Doyle, a lifelong Manchester United fan, can then be heard saying to former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann.
WARNING: STRONG LANGUAGE
It would appear Doyle’s comments were made in response to Szoboszlai seemingly mocking Ireland supporters following Varga’s goal to put Hungary in front in Budapest.
But Parrott ensured the visitors had the last laugh and Szoboszlai was pictured in floods of tears as Hungary were denied a place at next year’s tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The devastating setback left Szoboszlai near speechless as he spoke to Hungarian outlet M4 shortly after the final whistle.
Asked how much his heart ached after the loss, the Hungary captain bluntly replied: ‘Very much.’
On the match demonstrating just how cruel football can be at times, Szoboszlai simply responded: ‘It looks like it, yes.’
Ireland fans will be watching on with interest when the draw for the World Cup play-offs is made on Thursday.
The play-offs consist of a semi-final and a final, with 16 teams in the mix and each round decided over one leg.
The 12 group-stage runners-up and the four top-ranked UEFA Nations League section winners – those that have not already qualified – will be in the draw.
The semi-finals are set to start on March 26 and the final will be held five days later on March 31.
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