Yesterday night, Maltese team Hibernians were only 1 minute away from a historic result that would have seen them qualify to the playoff round of the UEFA Conference League. Irish referee Rob Hennessy however was met with a lot of criticism for most of his decisions with many fans asking if the referee had an agenda against the Paolites.

Not every game starts off with a penalty in the 45th second of the game, but the referee still pointed to the spot, despite the foul being very soft. It was pointed out how in some games it wouldn’t even be considered a penalty but the referee had a different opinion. The penalty was for nothing though as Hibernians keeper Ibrahim Kone saved it. The first half was filled with yellow cards to Hibernians players albeit most were quite controversial.

The second half didn’t start well for Hibernians either, as a mistake from captain Andre Agius led to Riga’s first goal. Attacker Jurgen Degabriele then levelled up the game, with a nice low curling shot. Later on in the game, Jurgen Degabriele scored what seemed a perfect goal, but was somehow was deemed an offside by the Irish team of referees. A red card for attacking midfielder Jake Grech and 7 minutes of extra added time were the following controversial referee decisions. Riga then broke Hibs’ hearths when they scored in the 96th minute.

Immediately after the goal, a Riga player went to provoke the  Hibernians staff which led to fights and ultimately a red card for Hibs’ manager Stefano Sanderra and one of the players on the bench. The goal forced extra time, and in extra time the Latvian champions scored 2 goals to secure the tie.

 

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What should have been a historic night for Maltese football ended in chaos. The Hibernians players and staff should be proud of their achievements, knowing they were 1 minute from creating history.

#MaltaDaily