Cliftonville FC's penalty pain has been a recurring theme in the club's history, dating back to 1892 when they missed a spot kick in a match against England. The Reds were awarded a penalty in the Home Championship match, but Linfield forward Sam Torrans was denied by visiting goalkeeper Bill Rowley. This was not the first time Cliftonville FC had struggled with penalties, as two years earlier, Reds forward Jack Reid had collaborated with Armagh man William McCrum to introduce penalties to the Laws of the Game. McCrum, a wealthy Irish linen manufacturer, was also a goalkeeper for Milford FC and had a remarkable link to Cliftonville FC, having conceded a goal at Solitude in 1889. The club's history is full of fascinating stories and statistics, and this article will explore the impact of penalties on Cliftonville FC's success.