Ireland Under-17 goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran has thanked supporters for their well wishes following the controversial penalty defeat to the Netherlands, but says the referee’s decision was correct.

The Boys in Green exited the European Under-17 Championships at the quarter-final stage in heartbreaking circumstances, with Corcoran sent off by Zbynek Proske after he appeared to have saved the final Dutch penalty with the scores standing at 4-4.

Proske showed Corcoran his second yellow card for coming off his line and ordered the penalty to be retaken and with substitutes not allowed in shoot-outs, outfielder Oisin McEntee had to stand between the posts and was unable to stop Daishawn Redan's second attempt.

In a statement posted on his Twitter account, the Meath man thanked fans for the support they have shown since Ireland's exit.

"Now it's time to accept that although as cruel a blow as it was, the decision was correct and we will move on and learn from it to become stronger"

"As the dust settles on last night's events I would like to thank everyone for their support," he said.

"My team mates, friends, family and so many in the sporting world have been unbelievable.

"Now it's time to accept that although as cruel a blow as it was, the decision was correct and we will move on and learn from it to become stronger."