Photo via BBC Sport

O'Neill left baffled by refereeing in late NI win

Following a scoreless opening period, the contest intensified in the second half when a video review resulted in a penalty for a challenge involving Ballard and Luka Lochoshvili during an aerial duel in the 65th minute. Pierce successfully blocked the spot kick taken by Paris St-Germain winger Kvaratskhelia, while Northern Ireland later had their own penalty appeal dismissed in the 88th minute when Charles appeared to be impeded inside the box.

Northern Ireland boss O'Neill expressed intense frustration with the officiating standards after the match, highlighting both the penalty awarded against his side and an unpunished challenge on substitute O'Neill that subsequently led to a hamstring injury for Ballard. Ballard is now expected to miss the upcoming fixtures against Hungary, Ukraine, and Georgia.

Up nextFootball· 6h ago

Papers: Arsenal leading race for winger Nusa