Messages

Lots of faux outrage, mostly from Tyrone supporters. It sounds like staving off relegation wasn't enough to satisfy them today. Most rational people thought the 4 suspensions doled out to Tyrone players was ridiculous at the time and none more so than the Tyrone fans. Now they appear to have had a conscience transplant when it comes to application of the rules just because Armagh were involved. Time to take off the red and white glasses and admit that it was much ado about nothing. Thankfully the game wasn't broadcast live on TV or the reaction would be even worse.

Think you're missing the point, Tyrone folk are merely highlighting the incident so as to see how it's dealt with and whether other counties are held to same standard and punished with as much enthusiasm as Tyrone are. Very similar incidents, with todays possibly a lot more violent. Obviously we know these things happen in games and are hard to get rid of. No one wants to see them and suspensions arising from them are a bit ridiculous. However it's the consistency of investigation that will be interesting.

The major difference between the incidents was that GAA upheld the red cards given to Tyrone and Armagh players by the referee but nothing else was done about the incident.

In this game I don't think any cards were given out at the end.  However, suspensions may come of it if they were able to single out players.

In my opinion it was nowhere near more violent.

Half the problem is supporters of teams involved trying to defend the indefensible. Can't admit there a problem here. TV showed a number of players been swung to the ground so it above more than pushing or shoving. What's the subs and background team on the field getting involved for.

But I've seen one post already that's looking to blame those officiating the game! Christ

Who blamed the officiating?

Well maybe no punches throw from the scenes I saw, but the carry on is embarrassing and if a county team is involved in it there needs to be some sort of punishment. I'm not sure what though but it's not welcomed at all

Embarrassing and unsightly - Yes. Is suspension warranted? Unless individuals are singled out then not really. Fines would perhaps be the best outcome. First one is a 2,000 euro fine with it doubling every time a county is involved in one per season or within another specified period.

If only poor officiating was put under the same scrutiny.

It's time the GAA sorted this nonsense out. Throw the kitchen sink at both teams (no idea what sanctions can be imposed), make examples of them. The absolute state of the hi viz warriors, subs, mentors, backroom staff.... It's happening the length and breadth of the country, club and county. Does this shite happen in any other team sport in any other country in the world?

Are we really going down that road where every single altercation warrants suspensions? There were no punches thrown it was players pushing and pulling at each other - how sensitive are we all getting about stuff like this?

Ah now. You can't bleat like a lamb one week and then say its only handbags the next. Rules are rules. Any Armagh or Donegal players who contributed to a melee should be banned just like their vastly superior Tyrone neighbours

The obvious difference if you need reminding was Harte put Burns in a headlock and using a hip toss put him on the ground. I think the other was Hampsey grabbing Campbell across the neck from behind. Nugent was fortunate enough with Sludden and other than that I am not sure what the red cards were even for.

This was just pushing and shoving. The referee didn't see anything that warranted a card and again there is no evidence to show who started it... yet.

It's time the GAA sorted this nonsense out. Throw the kitchen sink at both teams (no idea what sanctions can be imposed), make examples of them. The absolute state of the hi viz warriors, subs, mentors, backroom staff.... It's happening the length and breadth of the country, club and county. Does this shite happen in any other team sport in any other country in the world?

Are we really going down that road where every single altercation warrants suspensions? There were no punches thrown it was players pushing and pulling at each other - how sensitive are we all getting about stuff like this?

Kieran tactics rubbing off on Armagh it seems. Many Armagh ones were quick to shout about tyrone now it seems they are the common link between these incidents

Again though, we haven't seen how or who started it yet other than a melee -could have been Donegal/COuld have been Armagh.

If I remember correctly, you were the one throwing around false accusations about Armagh starting the melee against Tyrone but you soon climbed down off your perch when video evidence was shown.

Must be confused with someone else I never defended tyrone in the armagh game. I questioned why so many tyrone players were singled out and I still questioned it. Every video showed hamspey not getting involved in headlock but he got a red.

Every one is quick to jump when tyrone are involved however thats now 2 games armagh have been involved in a brawl. Seems only right to point that out.

So instead of waiting to see what actually happened you apply the same unfair logic directed at Tyrone in Armagh's direction?

Just to point out, I am not saying Armagh are innocent in all of this but I would prefer it if they were treated fairly. I hate the term but we are becoming snowflakes in GAA with the slightest altercation being blown way out of proportion. From the brief footage shown there was a bit of pulling and pushing but I am happy to be corrected on that should we get to see the game in full.

Regardless, congratulations to Donegal on their win. We still don't have any answers for shoring up the influences of McBreaty and Murphy by the sounds of it.

Kieran tactics rubbing off on Armagh it seems. Many Armagh ones were quick to shout about tyrone now it seems they are the common link between these incidents

Again though, we haven't seen how or who started it yet other than a melee -could have been Donegal/COuld have been Armagh.

If I remember correctly, you were the one throwing around false accusations about Armagh starting the melee against Tyrone but you soon climbed down off your perch when video evidence was shown. 

Armagh shithousery on full display again. Can't take their batin'

Wouldn't go around talking crap again until the game is shown... You embarrassed yourself last time.

Always someone else's fault isn't it? Is it the 15 years of failure bottled up inside that makes you act like thugs every year?

It was your fault against Tyrone - the video evidence proved it.

Armagh didn't contribute to it at all. Again.

Jaysus ye are some craic, ye should get Mario Ballotelli "why always me" t-shirts printed for the whole panel.

Would hold back on your comments rather than throw around accusations.

Armagh shithousery on full display again. Can't take their batin'

Wouldn't go around talking crap again until the game is shown... You embarrassed yourself last time.

Had a quick look... Armagh has 26 from frees

If we did get to a final it would at least highlight potential problems in the team that could be addressed before Donegal. 

So many ways the tables can be decided.

Likely outcome I believe

Tyrone win. Kerry have nothing to play for but it depends on if they want to relegate Tyrone.

Kildare win. Mayo don't want to go into the league final - evident last week they don't really want it.

Donegal win. Do Donegal want to force Armagh into another game before their championship meeting? If they win and Mayo lose, Armagh have no choice as there could be more than 3 teams on 7 points.

Dublin win. Won't be good enough as the three teams above them would have won meaning they are relegated on 6 points along with Monaghan on 4.

[If only had a highly capable keeper on the bench... Oh wait.]

If only had a highly capable keeper on the bench... Oh wait.

Hall Rowland OHanlon anonymous.. Why does geezer insist on starting them? Murnin was anonymous today too.

Questions have to be asked about the referee too? 2/3 times he gave kerry a mark, when the ball wasnt secured.. And for that Grugan call at the end? shambles.

We don't that is the problem. 

Hughes lack confidence in his kick-outs and Rafferty made a very silly mistake by turning his back to the best forward in Ireland. The goal Murphy scored against Donegal would make me glad Rafferty is in goal as he would come out and challenge for it. His kick-outs are better than Hughes.

Based on what I've seen (and admittedly it's only 3 matches) Raffertys kick outs are no better than Hughes imo. He does have more presence in the goals but made a few rash decisions as well and got away with it once but paid the price for the goal when he was in no man's land.

Midfield didn't help him today as both were poor but unless there is a plan to go long (and playing a small player like Hall wing half forward doesn't help) then I really don't see the benefit in playing him before Hughes who is an actual goalkeeper.

If I had to pick out a strength that Blaine Hughes has, I honestly can't think of one. He learns from his mistakes but he does not have an redeeming features as a GK. His kick outs brings pressure on to himself, that zaps his confidence and his kick outs are short.  He never really had to stop any shots in the league because the defence were doing their job.

Rafferty is a risky option with the way they allow him to play. He motors up the field and there have been occasions in the past two games where Armagh players have been or almost lost the ball and he doesn't know what to do. He doesn't have the instincts to play in goal as shown earlier when he turned his back against Clifford. However, he will challenge high dropping balls and he went through a Kerry player to get to one earlier. If our defence holds out the way it has (with the exception of today) teams only have one route to goal and that is with high balls. I would take Rafferty over Hughes if that is the case.

[If only had a highly capable keeper on the bench... Oh wait.]

If only had a highly capable keeper on the bench... Oh wait.

Hall Rowland OHanlon anonymous.. Why does geezer insist on starting them? Murnin was anonymous today too.

Questions have to be asked about the referee too? 2/3 times he gave kerry a mark, when the ball wasnt secured.. And for that Grugan call at the end? shambles.

We don't that is the problem. 

Hughes lack confidence in his kick-outs and Rafferty made a very silly mistake by turning his back to the best forward in Ireland. The goal Murphy scored against Donegal would make me glad Rafferty is in goal as he would come out and challenge for it. His kick-outs are better than Hughes.