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Irish boxer Michael Conlan's controversial loss at Rio 2016 sends social media into a tailspin

SOCIAL media went into a tailspin after Michael Conlan was controversially beaten in the Olympic quarter-final.

The Irish boxer took to let his feelings known in a post-match interview where he slammed amateur boxing as rotten.

“I was here for Olympic Gold. My dream’s been shattered now.”

“These ones are known for being cheats and they’ll always be cheats”, an angry Conlon said.

Boxing fans were equally outraged at the result and took to social media to vent.

Here's a flavour of what they had to say...

Team Ireland team-mate Paddy Barnes didn't need to say anything to show his disgust...

Watch @paddyb_ireland's immediate reaction to the decision of the judges in Michael Conlan's fight.https://t.co/rx4FRC3uMH

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 16, 2016

But later Barnes blasted the Irish Amateur Boxing Association

At least have balls and say he was robbed blind https://t.co/UGbyyND5b7

— Paddy Barnes (@paddyb_ireland) August 16, 2016

Which Michael Conlan seemed to agree with...

Michael Conlan gives the finger to the judges on behalf of every boxer that has been robbed & for the fans. #Respect pic.twitter.com/pZj5R8ufET

— Strictly Boxing Fans (@BoxingBritain1) August 16, 2016

Some pro boxers showed their support for Michael, including WBC Champion Tony Bellew

Sums up amateur boxing! Sorry for you @mickconlan11 https://t.co/Hwj4qIKKzg

— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) August 16, 2016

And then former fighter Darren Barker chipped in

Nothing more needed to say! #cheats pic.twitter.com/o5YBvnMlzq

— Darren Barker (@DarrenBarker82) August 16, 2016

Andy Lee summing up the mood of a nation

Speechless

— Andy Lee (@AndyLeeBoxing) August 16, 2016

While Matthew Macklin believes the result was decided months ago

Poor @mickconlan11 He was never winning that fight unless by KO. That result was decided months ago!! #PureCheats

— matthew macklin (@mattmacklin) August 16, 2016