Eamon Dunphy says the tennis ball protest by Republic of Ireland fans against Georgia was "stupid and pointless".
A number of supporters threw tennis balls on the Aviva Stadium pitch around the 30th minute mark in protest at John Delaney, who was removed as FAI CEO over the weekend but appointed to the newly created position of Vice Executive President.
But Dunphy strongly disagreed with the way fans protested.
He wrote in his Irish Daily Star column: "It should be pointed out that Hourihane's goal came after a long delay following a protest by some fans where tennis balls were thrown on to the pitch.
"I understand the anger at the FAI and John Delaney but this was stupid and pointless.
Glenn Whelan responds to Irish fans' tennis ball protest during Georgia victory
"It could have cost Ireland dearly too as Georgia nearly equalised during the time added on for the protest.
"There was too much at stake last night for this kind of silly gesture.
"Think of the players and their bid to make the European Championship.
"That's what matters, and silly tennis ball protests shouldn't be putting that at risk.
"But that's only a footnote to what was a significant night for McCarthy and his players."
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