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War of Words

'It's scandalous how Caulfield can say our player should apologise to Alan Bennett'

Shamrock Rovers head coach Stephen Bradley has hit back at the Cork City boss, branding his comments as ‘unbelievable’.

Stephen Bradley 'For John to suggest that he was lying and wants our player to apologise is unbelievable.' Bryan Keane / INPHO Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO

SHAMROCK ROVERS HEAD coach Stephen Bradley has hit back at Cork City manager John Caulfield following his comments in relation to Alan Bennett’s straight red card on Monday evening.

The City captain was sent marching following an off-the-ball incident in the 37th minute of their 1-0 defeat to Rovers in the EA Sports Cup semi-final.

Earlier this week, Caulfield insisted that the game was ‘ruined’ by referee Neil Doyle’s decision to dismiss his skipper for an alleged stamp on David Webster.

“Actually it’s comical because Dave Webster runs past him, puts out his hand and falls on the ground,” Caulfield said. “Maybe ask Dave that because he was clever and he was cute, and he conned it. It’s disappointing.

“Hopefully Dave will stand up and be counted because Alan Bennett has an impeccable record, absolutely superb guy, and he’s distraught people would even think that that’s going on. There’s absolutely no way. That’s just the way it is.”

Neil Doyle sends John Caulfield to the stands Caulfield has said that Neil Doyle's decision 'ruined' the game. Bryan Keane / INPHO Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO

Bradley has since slammed the City boss, referring to his comments as ‘scandalous’ and ‘unbelievable’.

“I watched the game (and red card incident) back,” he told shamrockrovers.ie.

“It’s absolutely scandalous how John Caulfield can say our player should apologise to Alan Bennett.

“It’s clear as anything that Alan pushes him onto the ground first of all and then goes and stamps on his chest. Dave Webster has three stud marks to show it as well.

“For John to suggest that he was lying and wants our player to apologise is unbelievable. The stamp is so obvious it’s frightening.”

The Hoops progress to the EA Sports Cup final for the first time since 2014, and opposition comes in the form of Stephen Kenny’s Dundalk.

red Bennett was shown a straight red for an alleged stamp on Webster.

“I’m really looking forward to the final,” Bradley continued. “Dundalk are a top team but we’ve shown this year that we can beat them home and away.

“Obviously home advantage for us is great but the venue didn’t bother me, I would have played them at Jobstown Park.

“It’s two teams, 11 v 11. Their pitch is not a big impact anymore because it’s a top class astro.”

The focus is on the present at the minute though. Bradley’s charges host Glenville FC in the first round of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup this evening at Tallaght Stadium [Kick-off 8pm].

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