Wexford boss Rossiter weighs in on Dublin’s goal from penalty

Wexford travelled to Parnell Park on Saturday to take on Dublin….

It was expected to be a close-encounter and that’s exactly what it was, with the game ending on a score-line of 3-26 to 4-19 in favour of the Dubs.

It was an action-packed high-scoring game filled with unbelievable moments.

One literal unbelievable moment came when Dublin were awarded a penalty in the second-half. Mark Fanning saved the penalty before the ball spilled on to his goal-line. Fanning then picked the ball up and ran out of defence. It was a huge moment, with Wexford still three points up at that stage. However, referee Michael Kennedy decided to award the goal for Dublin even though the ball did not cross the line.

Like all Wexford people, Wexford boss Keith Rossiter was dismayed by the referee’s decision and he weighed in on the decision after the game:

“I don’t know if things went wrong, it was ding-dong there for a long time,” he said. “If you’re really asking me what went wrong, did you get a look at the penalty? You might have a look back at that and you’ll see that it’s a six-point swing.

“I wouldn’t be happy with it at all. I’m not saying we’d have beaten Dublin, they’re a good side, but those are the things that make a massive difference in a game like that, especially in Parnell Park.

“We were three up, we stopped a penalty, it doesn’t cross the line, it’s given, a six-point swing. It is what it is. What can we do only regroup and get ready to play Galway in Salthill but I wouldn’t go along the lines of ‘What happened to us in the second-half,” he said.

🗣️ “When it didn’t cross the line that’s worse again.”

🗣️ “All we’re looking for is a bit of fair play.”

🏑 Wexford manager Keith Rossiter reacts to a crucial refereeing decision in his sides tough loss to Dublin. pic.twitter.com/ZnWgBnI7sA
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) April 26, 2025

The Wexford manager also emphasised that Wexford may not have emerged victorious despite the decision. However, there is no doubt that it played a vital role – killing Wexford’s momentum and dampening their spirits, with Dublin hitting two quick-fire goals soon afterwards.