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Shamrock Rovers crash out of Europe after costly own goal Image: Mika Kylmaniemi/Inpho
🇮🇪 Ireland /Sports

Shamrock Rovers crash out of Europe after costly own goal

From Irish Times · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Shamrock Rovers were eliminated from the UEFA Conference League after a 2-1 aggregate loss to Finnish side KuPS, decided by a late own goal.
  • The defeat compounds a difficult period for Rovers, who were also recently knocked out of the FAI Cup and face a shrinking lead in the Premier Division.
  • The club faces significant financial repercussions from the loss, missing out on substantial UEFA prize money.

Shamrock Rovers' season is rapidly unravelling after their elimination from the UEFA Conference League, following a costly own goal in their second-leg playoff against Finnish side KuPS. The 1-0 defeat in Finland, which resulted in a 2-1 aggregate loss, adds to a string of recent disappointments for Stephen Bradley's side.

The Hoops have now been bounced out of two major competitions, having also exited the FAI Cup to St Patrick's Athletic. This European exit places increased pressure on their domestic campaign, with their once commanding lead at the top of the Premier Division now vulnerable. If St Pat's secure a win, Rovers' lead could be cut to a mere single point.

The financial implications of this defeat are significant. The club stood to gain between €4 million and €6 million by reaching the league phase of the Conference League for a third consecutive season. Even a draw in European competition would have yielded €8,000 more than the €125,000 they will earn for retaining their league title.

There was no danger whatsoever. It is a really poor goal. It typifies the goals we have given up in Europe this year. It is soft and very unlike us. But ultimately it has cost us.

— Stephen BradleyReacting to the own goal that eliminated his team.

The decisive moment came in the 75th minute when a KuPS free-kick delivery found Akseli Puukko, whose header back across goal deflected off Graham Burke for a calamitous own goal. Manager Stephen Bradley lamented the nature of the goal, stating, "It is a really poor goal. It typifies the goals we have given up in Europe this year. It is soft and very unlike us. But ultimately it has cost us."

Bradley had introduced key attacking players Jack Byrne and Burke after the hour mark, but their influence was stifled by KuPS's tactical approach. Despite creating some chances, including a decent save from KuPS goalkeeper Johannes Kreidl, Rovers ultimately succumbed to the pressure, with Burke's unfortunate mishap proving to be the deciding factor.

I don’t think there is anything Graham can do. Aaron heads it and it hits him and goes in.

— Stephen BradleyDefending his player Graham Burke after the own goal.
About this summary

Originally published by Irish Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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