Bookmaker to refund NI v Switzerland World Cup bets after ref admits penalty decision error

A prominent bookmaker is refunding punters who backed Northern Ireland to reach the World Cup in Russia after the referee admitted his game-deciding penalty decision was wrong.
Gareth McAuley questions referee Ovidiu Hategan's decision in the first leg play-offGareth McAuley questions referee Ovidiu Hategan's decision in the first leg play-off
Gareth McAuley questions referee Ovidiu Hategan's decision in the first leg play-off

Ovidiu Hategan controversially pointed to the spot in the first leg of November's play-off, despite the ball clearly hitting midfielder Corry Evans on the back of his shoulder.

The Romanian has admitted his error – prompting Paddy Power to refund all single bets on Michael O’Neill’s men qualifying for the World Cup, amounting to thousands of pounds in stakes.

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“The referee’s admission is refreshing but, ultimately, doesn’t make much difference to disappointed fans," a Paddy Power spokesperson said.

“We decided to give the punters some justice, too, by refunding those who backed Northern Ireland to qualify for Russia.”