Lee Keegan believes Galway have every right to feel aggrieved after a pair of crucial decisions went against them during their All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Dublin.
The Dubs came from six points down to win 1-25 to 1-21 in Croke Park and book a semi-final meeting with Kerry.
Con O’Callaghan scored 1-7, including the decisive penalty, while Niall Scully was named man of the match after contributing 0-4. Colm Basquel, Paddy Small and Cormac Costello also finished with four points apiece.
Galway appeared to be in control entering the final quarter.
John Maher’s goal had given Pádraic Joyce’s side a 1-20 to 0-17 advantage, with Céin D’Arcy scoring four points during an impressive display.
However, the game turned in the 59th minute.
Liam Silke was shown a black card by referee David Gough after fouling Colm Basquel as the Dublin forward burst through on goal.
Con O’Callaghan converted the resulting penalty and Dublin seized the momentum, eventually finishing strongly to claim victory.
‘If I’m Pádraic Joyce, I’m Fuming’ – Lee Keegan On Huge Galway Dublin Call
Speaking on The Sunday Game, Lee Keegan agreed with the decision to issue the black card but questioned whether the incident constituted a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Scully with a brilliant ball into Basquel, cuts inside himself.
For me, 100% black card.
Is it enough to stop a goal-scoring opportunity?
I think Cian Hernon is making up serious ground there.
I think Basquel is still a good distance out.
I just feel maybe not a penalty.
Ciarán Whelan took a different view, arguing that Basquel’s run and the support around him meant the rule had been correctly applied.
I just feel you have to argue, is it not a goal opportunity?
If he drops the shoulder and gets by and Con’s inside.
So, you know, is it not a goal opportunity?
And that’s the rule.
So I think it’s hard to argue against this one.
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However, it was a second incident that drew even stronger criticism from Lee Keegan.
Galway felt they should have been awarded a penalty after Ciarán Kilkenny challenged John Maher inside the square during the closing stages.
David Gough waved away the appeals a\n gave a free for a foul he was playing advantage for, but both analysts felt Galway had a legitimate grievance.
“I think if Galway get a penalty here, I don’t think Dublin would have huge complaints about it,” said Whelan.
Keegan was even more forthright.
I think he probably has to give the penalty there if he’s given another, if I’m being totally honest about it.
Fair enough, and we think Maher might have slipped a bit, but Kilkenny’s hands are around him.
It looks quite high.
The former Mayo player believes the incident could have fundamentally altered the outcome of the game.
If I’m Pádraic Joyce, I’m fuming over that decision.
That’s a massive moment in that game.
If you get a penalty there, that changes the whole dynamic of the game 100%.
So I can see why he’s disappointed with that decision.
Galway will undoubtedly point to those incidents after surrendering their late lead.
Their struggles proved costly throughout the contest, while Dublin’s experienced forwards took advantage once momentum swung in their favour.
For Pádraic Joyce, the defeat increases the pressure around his position after another championship disappointment.
Dublin, meanwhile, move on to an All-Ireland semi-final against Kerry after producing a spirited comeback.
But for Lee Keegan, the biggest talking point from the closing stages may well remain the decision not to award Galway a penalty when John Maher went to ground.
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