Roger Federer gives his opinion on CONTROVERSIAL Northern Ireland vs Switzerland penalty
ROGER FEDERER has nailed his colours to the mast, backing the referee’s decision to award Switzerland a penalty against Northern Ireland last night.
Roger Federer says it was a clear penalty...despite not having seen the game
Ricardo Rodriguez scored the only goal of the two country’s World Cup qualifying play-off first leg last night from the penalty spot.
Referee Ovidiu Hategan had adjudged Corry Evans to have handled the ball inside the penalty area just after the hour mark, a decision that left Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill baffled.
"It's staggering really that the referee can give that penalty decision in that situation," O'Neill told Sky Sports.
"He was six yards from the incident, he has no one in his line of sight.
Ricardo Rodriguez scored the only goal for Switzerland, a controversial penalty
"Corry has just gone to block it, his body is turned and the ball actually hits him more on the shoulder than the arm so it is incredible.”
And Federer has waded in on the debate after his press conference in London ahead of next week’s ATP World Tour Finals.
“I didn’t see it but from what I hear he caught it, didn’t he?” Federer joked.
“It was clear penalty!”
Northern Ireland conceded just six goals in their 10 qualifying games, finishing second in Group C behind Germany to earn a place in the play-offs.
Drawn against Switzerland, O’Neill’s side will now travel to Basel for a crucial clash on Sunday where they will have to win to stand any chance of qualifying for next summer’s World Cup in Russia.
Federer meanwhile may miss the match due to his tennis commitments.
The 36-year-old will face Jack Sock in his opening group game of the ATP World Tour Finals on Sunday at 2pm - while Switzerland will kick off just two hours later at 4pm UK time.
ATP World Tour Finals schedule
Sunday November 12
12pm: Kontinen/Peers vs Harrison/Venus
2pm: Federer vs Sock
6pm: Rojer/Tecau vs Herbert/Mahut
8pm: Zverev vs Cilic
Monday November 13
12pm: Murray/Soares vs Bryan/Bryan
2pm: Thiem vs Dimitrov
6pm: Kubot/Melo vs Dodig/Granollers
8pm: Nadal vs Goffin