RTÉ’s GAA panel have not held back in their criticism of Michael Murphy in the wake of Donegal’s victory over old rivals Kerry in yesterday’s National League Final.
Most were ion agreement that the Glenswilly man was lucky not to receive a red card after his ill-timed tackle on Kerry’s Dylan Casey.
Then 36-year-old talisman scored a brilliant goal and ended up with 1-05 as Jim McGuinness’ side steamrolled Jack O’Connor’s flat Kerry side.
But GAA pundits Lee Keegan and Ciarán Whelan said Murphy was lucky he was was still on the pitch after the incident.
Former Dublin star Whelan said he thought the incident should have been spotted by the linesman who was beside the play.
Former Mayo star Keegan said “It’s not a question. It was the most blatant red card.
“There’s probably no excuse, the first dig is bad, to the ribs, it’s the second one that’s probably inexcusable.
“Someone of his experience and know-how of the game, to do something like that in a game like that is probably really disappointing, and the fact that Jim [McGuinness] said he didn’t see it…I could see it up in the stands, it was clear.
“Gough might be getting a bit of flak this evening. I can’t blame Gough. I don’t think he’s seen it, I think the linesman needs to be really strong there.
“It’s directly in front of him, it’s as clear a strike as you’ll get and for me it’s a red card all day.”
Referee David Gough did not have a clear view of the incident and spoke to his linesman before showing a yellow card to Murphy.
Whelan added: “I agree, it’s bad, it’s a nasty one. He’ll know himself that that was way out of order.
“The strike, it was a nasty one coming in, it wasn’t once, it was kind of twice. He’s got away with one today.”
Sunday Game panel stick the boot into Murphy was last modified: March 30th, 2026 by Staff Writer
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