AFTER SEEING HIS side beaten 2-0 by Ireland at the Aviva Stadium and 3-1 on aggregate in tonight’s Euro 2016 play-off, Bosnia coach Mehmed Baždarević did not hide his displeasure with the referee’s performance.

One of the game’s key moments came about when Björn Kuipers awarded Ireland what looked a dubious penalty in the first half that Jon Walters duly converted.

However, the highly regarded referee — who counts the 2013 Europa League Final, the 2013 Confederations Cup Final and the 2014 Champions League Final among the games he’s officiated — also neglected to send off Emir Spahić, despite the experienced defender committing several late tackles having already picked up an early booking.

“First of all, it’s very hard to speak about this because we are aware of what we have lost in these two matches,” Baždarević said, reflecting on Monday evening’s result.

“The team played very well and had more opportunities. We tried to answer the Irish players with the correct mind of aggressive game and we did our best.

“I’m very disappointed about the game. We lost and unfortunately, it’s very hard for me to speak about it. I feel sorry for the supporters that we are not going to France.”

On the controversial penalty decision, Baždarević added:

“I don’t want to speak too much about that because it could have consequences, but the referee had a terrible night. He was the worst on the pitch.

“It’s hard to accept defeat, but we have to accept it.”

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