Armenia captain 'lost his head' - Azaz on red card

 

Finn Azaz said Armenia captain Tigran Barseghyan "lost his head" when he headbutted the Republic of Ireland midfielder in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier in Dublin.

In the game's major flashpoint, Barseghyan was dismissed seven minutes into the second half after thrusting his head into Azaz's face as the players clashed on the sideline.

With a numerical advantage, the Republic of Ireland eventually broke the deadlock on 70 minutes through Evan Ferguson's header, which earned them a vital first win in World Cup qualifying.

Southampton's Azaz pointed to the red card as the turning point for the hosts, who also fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Hungary last month after their opponents had Roland Sallai sent off.

"It was a heated game, there is a lot of emotion, it was a physical game and these moments can happen," Azaz told BBC Sport NI.

"He has lost his head and the consequences were they went down to 10 men. It was a headbutt, I felt the contact."

Azaz, who was brought into the starting line-up by Heimir Hallgrimsson, added: "There's not much for me to say about it, it was in the heat of the moment, and it's changed the game, that's part of football."