SYMPATHY there was aplenty afterwards, not only for Alan Gough but also for referee Pat Kelly. By common consent, the finest referee in Irish football was in a no win situation when the Shelbourne goalkeeper left his area and handled the ball to deny Ricky O'Flaherty a clear goal scoring opportunity.
Even the Shelbourne manager, Damien Richardson, conceded that "whatever Pat did he was going to be criticised for it. It was a tough one for him". Indeed, who would be a referee in moments like that.
Kelly himself said: "It was the hardest decision I ever had to make. Sadly, the rules are there, and a Cup final cannot be treated any differently from any other match. We have to have uniformity. I don't like the rule, and if I was writing the rules it wouldn't be there. It takes away from the referee's commonsense.
Gough, who had been understandably distraught, was still emotional afterwards, though his mood had been lifted considerably by the prospect of another chance in next Sunday's replay. The man who deputised in his absence, Brian Flood, admitted that he did not want to go in goal.
"It ruined my Cup final and it ruined Alan Gough's," said Flood, who also blamed himself for the St Patrick's goal. "I should have caught the ball, but it hit Dave Campbell.
Tickets for the replay at Dalymount Park next Sunday will go on sale from next Wednesday through the same outlets as used for yesterday's game. The capacity is expected to be around the 15,000 mark and the started will be all ticket. As regards whether cash will be taken at the turnstiles, that depends on how ticket sales go during the week.
In light of the Good Friday debacle for the original Bohemians St Patrick's semi final, when the kick off was delayed by half an hour, there will be valid concerns as to whether the organisation of this match will be better.
Acting FAI secretary Brendan Menton commented: "It will be a hands on approach from the FAI. Basically, the semi finals are run by the clubs, and that's something we may look at next year, but the final is run by the association. We'll ensure that all stiles are open very early."
As an aside, the suspensions which were appealed for yesterday's final - those on Shelbourne duo of Brian Flood and reserve keeper Campbell, along with the St Patrick's centre half John McDonnell do not come into effect until next season. So all will be eligible again as will Gough.
Alas, Pat Kelly will not be overseeing the replay, as it was already decided that in the event of a replay yesterday's fourth official, Wilfred Wallace, would referee his last game before retirement.
