Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has expressed his view that UEFA's decision to extend Matt Doherty's ban from one to two games is "incredibly harsh." This came after UEFA's Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Body increased Doherty's suspension, which had initially been for one game in June.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers player received a red card during Ireland's 2-1 loss to Greece in June. Doherty pushed Greek player Giorgos Tzavellas to the ground and then confronted Liverpool's Kostas Tsimikas.
Doherty's absence will be another setback for Stephen Kenny ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifiers against France and the Netherlands next month.
Ireland are already without team captain Seamus Coleman for these crucial fixtures in Dublin and France.
When asked about his feelings regarding the decision to extend the suspension from one to two games, Kenny responded by saying, "I was really disappointed with that."
"To be honest, it's only a yellow-card offense in my view, the incident. He walked over and shouldered the player who went down, maximizing the opportunity to get Matt sent off.
"How it's two matches I'll just never know"
Stephen Kenny airs his frustration after Matt Doherty saw his suspension for the red card received in Greece in June extended to two games which means the defender will miss next week's qualifier against France #COYBIG #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/22OIEw6Br8— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) August 31, 2023
"Now, he's facing a two-match suspension for that. It's incredibly harsh. Our disciplinary record has been very good, with no players sent off in a long time. Getting a two-match ban doesn't seem fair or consistent with what's happening elsewhere."
Kenny also mentioned that they attempted to consult a legal team to prevent the extended ban, but their efforts proved fruitless.
"I spoke to our legal team. We had several meetings about it, but in the end, they felt we didn't have a case under the regulations to appeal," he added.
Players like Udinese right wing-back Festy Ebosele, and midfielders Alan Browne and Jason Knight could step up next week. Kenny believes that they need to select the right player to mark Mbappe in the match against France on September 7.
"We have a few options—not many orthodox right-wing backs, but we have several players who can play in that position. We'll make that decision on the night because we'll be up against a formidable player like (Kylian) Mbappe, so we have to ensure we make the right choice."
Republic of Ireland Squad - France/NetherlandsGoalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (Stoke City, on loan from AFC Bournemouth). Defenders: Matt Doherty* (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Festy Ebosele (Udinese), Enda Stevens (Stoke City), Ryan Manning (Southampton), James McClean (Wrexham), Shane Duffy (Norwich City), John Egan (Sheffield United), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Burnley), Darragh Lenihan (Middlesbrough)Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen).Forwards: Adam Idah (Norwich City), Will Keane (Preston North End), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Aaron Connolly (Hull City), Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton Town).*Suspended for the France fixtureUEFA EURO 2024 Qualifying - Fixtures07/09 - France v Republic of Ireland, Parc des Princes, 7.45pm (8.45pm local time)10/09 - Republic of Ireland v Netherlands, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm
