“If that was a red card, then maybe we should look back at their first goal too.”
Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai took issue with the decision to send off Roland Sallai in the 2-2 draw with the Republic of Ireland on Saturday night.
Ireland rescued a point after falling 2-0 behind after just 16 minutes.
Evan Ferguson scored after half-time, before Sallai was given a straight red card.
Adam Idah then scored a late equaliser to keep Ireland’s World Cup qualification hopes alive.
Following the game, Szoboszlai was asked about the red card.
The Liverpool midfielder appeared to question why the referee didn’t apply the same scrutiny in the build-up to Ferguson’s goal.
“I didn’t see the red card situation,” said the Hungary captain.
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“I don’t want to get into it, although I’ve heard opinions.
“I hope everyone has learned that you can’t react like that, but I have to defend Sallai because he wouldn’t intentionally hurt anyone.
“If that was a red card, then maybe we should look back at their first goal too.”
6 September 2025; Roland Sallai of Hungary, centre, celebrates with team-mates after scoring their side’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match between Republic of Ireland and Hungary at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó MÃdheach/Sportsfile
Hungary manager Marco Rossi, meanwhile, was furious about the officiating in the game at the Aviva Stadium.
Rossi accused the German referee Harm Osmers of allowing the World Cup qualifier to descend into a ‘wrestling match’.
He also said that the official failed to spot a handball by Ireland captain Nathan Collins before Ferguson scored, which is the incident that Szoboszlai appeared to be referring to.
Hungary’s next game is a home fixture against group leaders Portugal on Tuesday, while Ireland face Armenia in Yerevan.
Read next: The Ireland Team We Want To See Play Armenia In Must-Win Game.