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For Shamrock Rovers midfielder Sean O’Connor last Friday was certainly a night to forget for the former St. Patrick’s Athletic player. For a professional foul on Chris Forrester in the second half, O’Connor was given a straight red card by referee Anthony Buttimer in the Hoops’ heavy 4-0 home defeat against his old club St. Pat’s in front of 4,703 fans in Tallaght Stadium. His gesture towards the Saints fans as he made his way off the pitch may well leave him in further hot water with the FAI.

The player today issued an apology for his actions saying that “it was a very competitive occasion which ended with an extremely disappointing result for my club. Following the red card I received, I reacted in an inappropriate manner. The gesture, which was clearly unacceptable, followed from my own frustration at being sent off and was in response to verbal abuse I had received from St Pat’s fans throughout the game and which intensified at that moment.

“I realise, however, as a professional footballer that I must rise above that and channel my disappointment in a different manner. I apologise unreservedly to anyone who was offended by the gesture.”

The Hoops went into the game as the only side in either League of Ireland division who still were unbeaten at home in the league but the win by Pat’s put pay to that record and any chance they had of league silverware this season. Their aim now will be to finish in the European qualification spots but Rovers could well rue the recent red cards as the suspensions are beginning to mount up.

Stephen Rice and Jason McGuinness received additional one match bans for their red cards in Dundalk the previous week which mean they will miss Tuesday’s EA Sports Cup semi-final against Sligo Rovers. Hoops boss Trevor Croly also picked up a suspension which means he will be missing from the dugout for Tuesday’s home game. The Tallaght team go into the game having won their last nine consecutive knock out ties, their best cup run since 1966.

Defender Derek Foran, who received his marching orders in controversial circumstances from referee Buttimer against Pat’s, along with O’Connor will miss Friday’s game in Dalymount Park against Bohemians due to suspension. Buttimer doesn’t take charge of any game this weekend but is the fourth official in the match between Limerick and UCD in Thomond Park.

Pat Sullivan returned to competitive action for Rovers against St. Pat’s for the first time since his sending off after the whistle against UCD last month but without the captain’s armband as Shane Robinson captained the Hoops last Friday night.