Finn Harps ‘very concerned’ over preconceived notions of officials at Finn Park

Finn Harps have expressed concern that officials are coming to Finn Park with negative impressions.

It follows Monday night’s 1-0 win over Dundalk when Harps were handed five yellow cards.

The haul included a booking for manager Kevin McHugh after only nine minutes of the game.

In the 13 games since McHugh succeeded Darren Murphy as manager, Harps personnel have received a staggering 33 yellow and one red card.

“There seems to be an overriding feeling when people come here,” McHugh told Donegal Live. 

“I have to be careful with what I say, because you get in trouble for criticising - and I am not going to criticise anyone - but we as a club are very concerned on a few fronts. 

“It’s not just decisions because anyone can get a decision wrong and everyone thinks that a decision should go for them, but this is week-in, week-out all year long.

“We could compile a video montage of huge errors that have gone against us this year and not one explanation comes our way.

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“I have come across some brilliant officials this year who understand there are emotions involved at this level, but unfortunately then you come across others who just don't have that level of understanding and yellow cards are brandished for little or nothing.

“We are concerned as a club about the impression that people have coming here.

“It seems that people come here and have already got a view about what we’re going to be like and what we’re going to do on the pitch.” 

McHugh was carded on Monday after Paul Norton, the fourth official, called referee Daniel Murphy to the home dugout.

It left McHugh with a “what the hell?” feeling on the sideline having been put on his last warning.

The Harps manager added: “We probably have the most yellow cards this season. Yeah, loads are warranted, but so so many of them aren’t. 

“That’s not the way we’re playing, but it seems that any time we foul it’s a yellow whereas our players have to get absolutely chopped down to even get a free kick. 

“We’re not a hatchet team. We’re trying to get the ball down and play, but yet there seems to be a lingering reputation that people have of this club”

Behind the scenes Harps are considering whether to bring their concerns to the Football Association of Ireland.