IRISH LEAGUE: David Healy left frustrated by standard of refereeing

In the wake of his team’s dramatic County Antrim Shield defeat by Ballymena United at Windsor Park, the former Northern Ireland striker insists he is “continuously baffled” with the decision making of most officials.

Having succeeded Warren Feeney in October, following a magical playing career at England and Scotland, Healy is becoming increasingly frustrated about what goes on in match days.

“Some of the decisions that referees and linesmen make in this country are baffling at times,” said Healy. “It’s something I’m becoming accustomed to.

“I know that I must be careful what I say. It’s not sour grapes after losing the Shield final. It’s happening every week. I stand on that touchline baffled at what is going on with the officials.”

Healy points out his comments are based on what he has witnessed since he moved into the Windsor Park hot-seat – not on the back of the Shield result.

“Trust me, it’s not sour grapes – it’s fact,” he added. “It’s me coming in from the outside looking at the standard of refereeing at this level.

“Something needs to be done about it. We are supposed to have professional referees’ union, so let’s make the referee better because it will make for better games. Glenn Ferguson and other managers in this league will say the same thing.

“It was the same for both teams in the Shield final. We scored our first goal from a free-kick that probably should never have been given. Had we won the game, I know Spike would have been complaining about that.”