Coleraine boss Oran Kearney admits "crazy" red card cost Bannsiders in dramatic final

Coleraine boss Oran Kearney accepts James McLaughlin’s “crazy” red card was a major contributing factor in Sunday’s BetMcLean League Cup final defeat to Cliftonville at Windsor Park.

McLaughlin was given his marching orders for lashing out at Reds captain Chris Curran just a minute into extra time and with the scoreline still locked at 2-2.

It was a rash moment from the 32-year-old striker who had come on as a replacement for the injured Jamie Glackin in the 78th minute.

And Cliftonville, who had the bit between their teeth after fighting back from 2-0 down, took full advantage with further goals from Joe Gormley and Paul O’Neill who bagged two apiece in the 4-3 win.

Speaking to reporters half an hour after the final whistle, Kearney said: "I haven't seen it back yet or spoken to James at this moment in time.

“But if he has struck the player then it's crazy from that point of view because it makes life really, really hard for us. It had a huge impact.

“We're all big boys and at full time we spoke about being in this scenario before and what was needed. The momentum had shifted (in Cliftonville's favour) and we said that to the players.

"But the key thing was we weren't out of the cup yet. There were 30 minutes to go and win it or a penalty shootout to go and win it.

“The aim was to slowly but surely break the momentum Cliftonville had at that point and try and get a foothold again.

“But when the red card comes a minute into extra-time it literally blows that apart. It is another momentum swing and another shot in the arm for Cliftonville rather than us.”

McLaughlin received his red card after getting involved in a melee by the sideline following a Jamie McDonagh challenge on teammate Josh Carson.

A bit of push and shove