Kieran O’Hara finds himself in a bit of bother…
The Republic of Ireland international, who’s on loan at Burton Albion from Manchester United, clashed with Sammie Szmodics of Peterborough United while a corner was being taken in Saturday’s 1-1 draw.
However, there appears to be a lot of confusion around the incident.
Peterborough did not lodge an official complaint and the charge has apparently arisen from an allegation of biting which was included in the referee’s report, although Brett Huztable took no action at the time of the incident.
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O’Hara has been charged with breaching FA Rule E3 — which states: “A participant shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and shall not act in any manner which is improper or brings the game into disrepute or use any one, or a combination of, violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour.”
Burton are defending the goalkeeper and have confirmed that they will contest the charge, while the player has until Friday to respond. It’s clear from this O’Hara is pleading innocence.
📝 Club statement
Goalkeeper Kieran O'Hara has been charged by the @FA – a charge Burton Albion will be contesting. The club will be making no further comment at this time.#BAFC
👇👇👇
— Burton Albion FC (@burtonalbionfc) March 3, 2020
O’Hara is a promising goalkeeper who has developed a lot in our academy. A Manchester lad and United fan growing up, he joined the club as an 8-year-old having dabbled with a bit of Gaelic Football.
His parents are from Galway.
We’ll keep you updated on what comes of this in the coming days. It’s a serious acquisition but it doesn’t all add up, to be perfectly honest.
If a Peterborough player had been bitten by an opponent, surely they would have lodged an official complaint? If the referee seen it happen, why didn’t he send off O’Hara? It doesn’t make sense that it somehow ended up in his post-match notes yet he didn’t act on it.
Can’t remember seeing anything major 😲
— Jonathan (@mrmitchell95) March 3, 2020
We stumbled across a picture of the alleged incident. And again, no proof it’s a bite but O’Hara does lower his head towards Szmodics.
— Kyle (@Kyle_Irving1) March 3, 2020
Make of that what you will.
Anyhow, here’s a blooper O’Hara won’t want you seeing from Soccer AM’s Twitter…
The worst goalkeeper blunder you’ll EVER see! It hurts to watch 😩😩 pic.twitter.com/kBhDHAXr8W
— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) February 22, 2020
