DERRY CITY manager Tiernan Lynch acknowledged that the difference in refereeing between the Irish League and League of Ireland is a learning curve.
Lynch took charge of the Candystripes in the off-season when he moved from Irish League champions Larne to the Brandywell for his first experience of League of Ireland.
And it has been a tough start for his side who have lost three of their opening four games, including on Monday night when beaten 2-0 by St Patrick’s Athletic as Aidan Keena scored twice.
The Saints scored twice from the penalty spot while midfielder Carl Winchester was also shown a straight red card for a challenge on Mason Melia.
And, choosing his words carefully, Lynch made it clear he thought the decisions were harsh as he admitted there is an adjustment coming from the Irish League.
He said: “I’d be telling lies if I said that wasn’t the case, yeah. That’s something we are definitely definitely having to get used to
“I’ve got to be careful in what I say and how I say it, we have to deal with that and it’s what we do about it.
“I have a big mouth and could get myself in trouble very quickly. I have to respect referees’ decisions and take this on the chin.
“I’ve spoken to my own players and spoken to the referee, I have to respect the referee and respect the conversation we’ve had, he was good enough to take the time to talk to me.
“I can only go off my opinion and I don’t think any of the decisions were clearcut enough.
“There’s certain things I would be saying if I felt it was the right thing to do, which probably back up my opinion whatever way you want to look at it.
“What happened has happened, we have to move on, dust ourselves down and go again.”
Derry conceded the first penalty when Ben Doherty bundled over Melia in the penalty area to deny a clear goal scoring opportunity that could have led to a red card, though Doherty was not even booked.
The second was for a foul by Adam O’Reilly on Keena, while Winchester’s challenge – which looked and sounded worse in real time – did catch Melia.
And St Patrick’s Athletic boss Stephen Kenny was sure that it was the right call.
He said: “I just had a look back because I hadn’t seen them. The two of them are absolute penalties.
“And the sending off, there is no real argument.
“Maybe he doesn’t mean it, maybe it’s over zealous. It looked a sending off.”
But Lynch acknowledged his side need to bounce back quickly against Galway United on Friday as he can understand if Derry City fans are frustrated with how his tenure has started.
He said: “If I was a supporter of Derry City I would be in the exact same position as them, they want to see their team win games.
“As a manager you probably look at things very differently,there’s a big picture but for any supporter it’s here and now, I understand that.”
