Linfield crash out of League Cup after controversial defeat to Crues

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Crues Captain Colin Coates agrees with the ref's decision

Q Radio Sport

Linfield crashed to a controversial 2-0 defeat in Wednesday night's League Cup quarter-final against Crusaders at Seaview.

Paul Heatley and Gavin Whyte got the goals. 

However, the main talking point was a bizarre second-half dismissal for Blues defender Mark Stafford following a 50-50 challenge with David Cushley.

Initially, the Crues player was sent off, but the referee Raymond Hetherington then reversed the decision after consulting an assistant and red-carded Stafford instead.

Here's Blues boss David Healy.

 

Crues captain Colin Coates believes the officials got it right, eventually.

 

The Shore Road side has now won seven games on the bounce, reaching the last four of the League Cup, County Antrim Shield and Irn Bru Cup.

Manager Stephen Baxter.

 

 

In the other League Cup last eight ties - 

Holders Ballymena had a 3-2 victory against Ards after extra-time at the Showgrounds, thanks to a stunning strike in the dying seconds from Tony Kane.

A Rory Donnelly goal gave Cliftonville a 1-0 win away to Carrick Rangers.

 

And there was late drama at Stangmore Park as Dungannon beat visiting Ballyclare Comrades 2-1.

Adam McCart put the Championship side in front on 87 minutes, but Johnny Lafferty levelled it and Ryan Mayse grabbed a deflected winner for the Swifts in stoppage time.

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