Ireland fans rage over ‘disrespectful’ reaction by PA while Craig Casey was down

CRAIG CASEY shipped a worrying knock that required lengthy treatment before he was ultimately stretchered off.

It’s since been confirmed that the scrum-half sustained a concussion from RG Snyman’s hit.

The 25-year-old had been among Ireland’s best performers as they eventually fell to a 27-20 loss in the opening test between the rivals.

And there was a bit of salt rubbed into the wound for Irish eyes and ears as the stadium announcer blared a Coldplay song throughout the lengthy delay while Casey was down hurt.

Plenty of Irish supporters felt it was in poor taste and suggested that the in-game music would’ve been halted were it a Springbok star down with a serious looking injury.

Jim Flanagan tweeted: “Surely someone is taking the p**s playing Coldplay and having the stadium announcer speaking as Craig Casey is being brought away on a stretcher? Wtf.”

Collette Hamel added: “Agree total lack of respect. He could have been seriously injured!

“We were all sick with worry for him and his family and this music comes on!”

Another poster then labelled it ‘So disrespectful.’

It was noted by South African voices who came to the defence of their PA operator that he did instigate a round of applause for Casey as he was helped off the pitch.

Afterwards Andy Farrell said of the 63rd minute flashpoint: “He’s concussed.

“He was still on the trolley when I came in at the end so obviously it was concerning enough.

“But he was up and walking around, not quite himself yet but he’s up and about and wondering what’s going on.”

Ireland fullback Jamie Osborne scored on his debut with Casey’s replacement Conor Murray and Ryan Baird adding tries in a dramatic final five minutes.

Both sides made many mistakes in an error-strewn match.

But the Springboks benefited from marginal refereeing calls as Ireland stayed in the contest to the end, despite conceding a try after three minutes.

With an eye on next Saturday’s game in Durban, captain Peter O’Mahony said: “It was a tough battle and we knew it was going to be very difficult with the quality of South Africa.

“There are a lot of positives to take but little bits here and there, playing against a side as good as this, they are going to punish you.

“We’ll have a look, fix a few things and look forward to next week.”

The second test between South Africa and Ireland takes place at Kings Park, Durban, next Saturday, July 13 at 4 pm Irish time.