An enthralling and intense All-Ireland Football Championship final has brought the inter-county season to a close, with Dublin running out as 1-15 to 1-13 winners over Kerry.
A big factor that helped the spectacle was the free-flowing nature of the game, and it was largely down to the refereeing of David Gough, who was very lenient towards both sides with his whistle, which also made for a particularly physical contest as well.
The selection of Gough had come in for criticism from certain Kerry fans, who felt that that fact that he lives and works in Dublin would compromise his decision making.
After the final-whistle, he also came in for stick for certain decisions.
Kerry Fans Not Pleased With David Gough
David Gough a man living and working in Dublin. Should NOT have Refffed that Final. He made MASSIVE calls against Kerry in the 2nd half #DubvKerry
— Buff Egan (@buff_egan) July 30, 2023
David Gough gets booed at the end of the game 👀 pic.twitter.com/yo7UmgWUlR
— The Gaelic Corner (@thegaeliccorner) July 30, 2023
Ahh lads. David Gough has not done Kerry any favours today.
— Mícheál Nagle (@Micheal_Nagle) July 30, 2023
David Gough let James McCarthy away with two headshots in the game, for one yellow card.
The GAA doesn’t take concussion or head injury seriously.
— Chris Traynor (@PerformTraynor) July 30, 2023
READ HERE: Echoes Of 2013 Ring Around Kerry's All-Ireland Final Destiny
However, in the BBC studio, Mickey Harte was full of praise for the referee:
It was a fitting end to the season, and the two best teams in this country were playing in this final and they took it the distance, took until the 76th minute before we knew the outcome of who was going to win this game...
So you have to hand it to both teams... You also have to hand it to the referee. There was a few decisions at the end...there was the pull of the jersey.
And he wasn't alone in his opinion, with many fans commenting positively on Gough's performance.
Praise For David Gough
How the fuck are you booing @goughd4 David Gough?? He literally reffed the game perfectly? Honestly who was booing him? He got almost every decision spot on…utterly and completely ridiculous and not at all Irish. #allireland #dublinkerry
— Ardal Ó Ceallaigh (@mur52225170) July 30, 2023
And David Gough played a huge part in a fantastic spectacle
— Daragh Ó Conchúir (@RebelDevil71) July 30, 2023
Hugely enjoyable, love this, serious intensity, savage hits. Dublin would be very happy with the current state of affairs and the players they have to come in. Referee David Gough having a very good game too
— Daragh Ó Conchúir (@RebelDevil71) July 30, 2023
Booked 3 Dubs lads in the first half, overruled a Kerry 45 to a Dub free out cos Clifford clipped Fitz, thought David Gough was fairly good today for both sides👍🏽 https://t.co/ffRF8c8qUA
— DarDar Byrne (@Dardar_byrne) July 30, 2023
SEE ALSO: British Public Blown Away As All-Ireland Final Broadcast Across The BBC For First Time
