FANS joked that a League of Ireland mascot “should be booked for diving” after a hilarious fall at a charity race in Naas.
The LOI Mascot Race, sponsored by PFA Ireland, took place at the Kildare racecourse on Saturday.
It was run in aid of Waterford Marine Search and Rescue and the RNLI Kildare, and pitted several LOI clubs’ mascots against one another in a 200 yard dash.
Right from the start, Finn Harps mascot Harper was neck-and-neck with Benny The Bull representing Sligo Rovers.
In a momentous twist, Benny lost his footing and fell to the floor, allowing Harper to pull away and win the race for the second time after also winning it in 2019.
Fans reacted to the race by poking fun at poor Benny for the tumble.
RacingTV joked: “The Devon Loch of the mascot scene…” in reference to the horse which fell on the final straight while leading the 1956 Grand National.
A second viewer said: “Ah jaysus benny” while a third said: “Should be booked for diving”
A fourth commented: “Terrible beat for Benny The Bull backers”
Between The Stipes tweeted: “Finn Harps greatest moment since the FAI Cup win of 1974.
“Sligo Rovers fans will be hoping that wasn’t a metaphor for their season as Benny the Bull falls at the last.
“Credit to all involved, all for a worthy cause”
Benny’s unfortunate fall was one of two blows suffered by Sligo Rovers on Saturday.
John Russell’s men were made to settle for a draw with Shamrock Rovers in their Premier Division clash.
That was despite the Bit O’Red taking a 2-0 lead and having a chance to win the game right at the end.
The point leaves Sligo in the relegation play-off spot, five points ahead of bottom side Cork City.
Shamrock Rovers, meanwhile, saw their lead at the top of the league reduced to nine points.
Derry City closed the deficit with a 7-2 drubbing of Waterford at the Brandywell.
The Candystripes are in second place having played two games fewer than Stephen Bradley‘s men.
They face the Hoops two times before the end of the season.
