Republic of Ireland Under-21 boss Stephen Kenny said he felt Troy Parrott's sending off wasn't warranted in Thursday night's stalemate with Italy at Tallaght Stadium.
The 17-year-old Spurs youngster picked up a second yellow for his involvement in an altercation with Everton player Moise Kean; who was shown red less than 20 minutes after coming on for the Italians.
"I thought it was quite harsh really.
"I wasn't expecting it, I didn't get a great view of it but he didn't seem to do a lot really.
"He was just trying to take the free-kick quickly.
"He was just trying to get on the ball, Troy is an attacking player, his attitude is always exemplary really, he carries himself brilliantly.
"I don't know if he's ever been sent off, so I think it's quite unfortunate really."
As well as defending Parrott, Kenny was quick to point out after the game that he'll be a major loss as they travel to Iceland next week.
"The double blow really is it rules him out of our game in Iceland on Tuesday which is a big blow really.
"I thought when they sent Moise Kean off, I thought we were in the ascendency then we were going to play 11 v 10 and I felt that would be a great opportunity for us.
"I didn't see that coming; that Troy was going to get sent off as well, I must admit.
"So it ended 10 each, there's nothing you can do."
Although it wasn't a particularly dirty game Ireland managed to pick up six yellow cards as well as Parrott's red and the manager explained how these could have implications going forward.
"We knew the players had to prepare for an element of gamesmanship, we had prepared for it" Kenny said at full time.
"Suspensions could be costly so it's important we don't rack up yellow cards.
"With Jonathan Afolabi picking up an injury and Troy Parrott suspended and Aaron Connolly having stepped up to the seniors it's quite a few missing from the previous camp where we beat Armenia and Sweden so some of our players will have to step up and perform in Iceland."
With these issues considered, Kenny confirmed that Ipswich striker Aaron Drinan, who's currently on loan with Gais in Sweden, has been called up ahead of Tuesday’s game in Reykjavik.
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