When O'Neill finally appeared at the press conference, the seats were packed, with many reporters standing in the aisles.
Richard sat in the back, maintaining a neutral expression.
Eager as ever, the media cut to the chase: "Coach O'Neill, what do you make of today's match?"
O'Neill, his expression composed, replied coolly, "The opposition was too strong; we struggled to scrape a draw."
The journalists gaped in surprise.
One journalist, unable to contain themselves, raised a hand and exaggeratedly asked, "Don't you have any thoughts on the officiating?"
O'Neill raised an eyebrow, as though genuinely confused, and retorted, "Was there a referee today? I didn't see one. From start to finish, it felt like we were playing ten men against Wimbledon's twelve. Thank goodness we didn't lose."
Realization dawned on the journalists and reporters, and their excitement was rekindled by O'Neill's words.
This was the response they had been waiting for!
