Hull ace Aaron Connolly forced off after horror challenge by Norwich goalkeeper – but gets free kick given AGAINST him
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AARON CONNOLLY was forced off for Hull City after being clattered by Norwich goalkeeper Angus Gunn - but the referee amazingly gave a free-kick AGAINST him.
The incident occurred as the Canaries claimed a 2-1 win at The Tigers in the Championship last night.
The big talking point from the match was the incident between the Republic of Ireland forward and Scotland international keeper sparked huge debate online after it went viral.
Connolly was chasing down a loose ball in the first half before colliding with Gunn, who rose highest and headed clear, but left the forward with concussion as he smashed into him.
But the referee Matthew Donohue deemed there to be a foul on the Norwich stopper - despite many feeling he was fortunate to remain on the pitch.
Connolly, 23, instantly needed treatment and was eventually forced off due to the injuries he suffered in the incident.
Many felt that he was fortunate to escape without any serious damage despite being punished by the official.
And it sparked a huge backlash on social media as fans got into a heated debate over whether the goalie deserved a red card.
“Angus Gunn has just nearly killed Aaron Connolly,” declared one.
Another said: “Shocking decision by the ref, how the keeper got the free kick is beyond me.”
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A third added: “Connolly is lucky his neck wasn’t broken.”
While a fourth said: “What a disgusting challenge.”
But not everybody felt the same as some supporters jumped to Gunn’s defence and claimed the ref had got it absolutely spot on.
“Well it's obviously not a Norwich free kick, but people claiming this is a red card to Gunn are mad lol,” wrote one.
Another commented: “Not a foul ether way wins the ball with a clean header.”
As a third added: “Never a foul, both players gone for the ball. What has happened to the game?”
Meanwhile, Hull boss Liam Rosenior said: “"It's a clear foul. It's not even a discussion.”
The result saw Norwich climb to eighth in the Championship.
They took the lead in the first half through a Jonathan Rowe strike Christian Fassnacht doubled their advantage in the 88th minute.
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Hull pulled one back in stoppage time through Tyler Morton but it was too little too late.
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