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Euro 2016: Gareth McAuley absolved of blame as own-goal sees Wales progress quarter-finals at expense of Northern Ireland

Captain Steven Davis and manager Michael O'Neill devastated by manner of defeat as Chris Coleman's men clinch close game

Anthony Chapman

Published: 19:42, 25 Jun 2016
Updated: 11:52, 26 Jun 2016

STEVEN DAVIS insists that nobody is to blame after Northern Ireland crashed out of Euro 2016 to Wales.

In a closely-fought game, it took an own-goal from Gareth McAuley to seal Northern Ireland’s fate and send the Welsh through to the quarter-finals.

Gareth McAuley has been absolved of any blame after his own-goal against Wales — Gareth McAuley has been absolved of any blame after his own-goal against WalesCredit: Getty

The centre-back's blunder saw Northern Ireland crash out of Euro 2016 — The centre-back's blunder saw Northern Ireland crash out of Euro 2016Credit: Getty

It marks the end of a historic journey for Northern Ireland, who were playing at their first major tournament.

But Michael O’Neill’s men will now be heading home following their defeat, and Davis admits that everyone involved enjoyed the ride while it lasted.

Speaking after the final whistle, he said: “It wasn’t meant to be our day. We gave it everything and have no regrets.

“In the first half we had better chances to win the game, you have to take them.

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Wales have now reached their first-ever quarter finals in a major tournament — Wales have now reached their first-ever quarter finals in a major tournamentCredit: Getty

Northern Ireland's players were left heartbroken at the final whistle — Northern Ireland's players were left heartbroken at the final whistleCredit: Getty

“There wasn’t a lot between us. We were disappointed with the manner in which they scored.

“There’s no blame anywhere, we gave everything we had. It’s been a great journey and experience.

“The fans have enjoyed it as much as us and we thank them for being here today.”

Captain Steven Davis insists that nobody is to blame for the exit — Captain Steven Davis insists that nobody is to blame for the exitCredit: Getty

Boss Michael O'Neill admits he's been left devastated by the result — Boss Michael O'Neill admits he's been left devastated by the resultCredit: Getty

Boss O’Neill also absolved McAuley of any blame, adding: “It’s devastating. I thought we were the better team. To lose as we did is very disappointing.

“We gave everything we had. I couldn’t ask for any more throughout the whole tournament.

“Gareth’s been magnificent, not just in the tournament but since I’ve been manager. It’s a shame for him because he’s had a great tournament.”

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