First-half goals from Anthony Olusanya, on his full debut, and James Brown proved enough to earn St Patrick’s Athletic victory in a fractious Dublin derby with Shelbourne at Tolka Park which saw the brandishing of four red cards.
Two of those were to the Shelbourne bench with head coach John Russell and then strength and conditioning coach Mauro Martins dismissed.
St Patrick’s assistant coach Brian Gartland was sent off in the second half incident involving Russell before Shels then also had striker Rodrigo Freitas sent off for a second booking late on.
The win consolidates St Pats’ second place in the table, though they remain seven points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers.
Amid their high-profile Conference League tie with Ajax, Shelbourne stay fifth with plenty to do to qualify for Europe next season.
