Tyrone have defeated Roscommon in their National Football League opener, running out as 0-17 to 1-11 winners after a tense clash in Omagh.
It was a hard fought game, one that both sides were in right until the end. The home side ultimately did enough to get the job done, although their task was made all the more difficult by a questionable decision that went against them just after the interval.
GAA fans confused by Tyrone red card during win over Roscommon
The incident in question came early in the second half.
As Roscommon embarked on a lengthy period of holding onto possession, perhaps in a shrewd attempt to wind down the clock while they were reduced to 14 men due to a black card, Tyrone's Conn Kilpatrick would make heavy contact with Rossie defender David Murray.
It was no doubt a big hit and a foul, although it was a big surprise to see the referee produce a red card as a result of the challenge.
You can watch the incident below.
This seems like a harsh red card for Tyrone's Conn Kilpatrick against Roscommon 😬pic.twitter.com/hyB1H2AmUr
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) January 28, 2024
It certainly seemed like a very harsh decision.
Quite a few GAA fans were confused by the call from the officials to give Kilpatrick his marching orders.
That wasn’t even the cousin of a red card for Conn Kilpatrick.
— Teamtalkmag.com (@teamtalkmagLIVE) January 28, 2024
That Conn Kilpatrick red card is a scandal.
Brought about by Roscommon milking every challenge to wind down the clock for their black card.— Cahir May (@CM_11) January 28, 2024
Laughable decision to give a red for that. Would love to know what exactly Kilpatrick has been sent of for 🤷♂️
— Philip Jordan (@PhilipJordan7) January 28, 2024
As soft a red card as you’d see for Tyrone
— Aaron Somers (@aaronsomers) January 28, 2024
Bit of a harsh red card no? #Tyrone #gaabeo @SportTG4
— SweetIrishGhirl (@Newrygal1) January 28, 2024
With Tyrone leading by a point at this stage, you might have expected to push on and win the game with the one-man advantage in the final half hour or so.
However, the Ulster side would respond brilliantly from that point. On the back of some brilliant play from Darragh Cavanagh, they would go on to secure the victory on a scoreline of 0-17 to 1-11.
48 nóim #TYRvROS@TyroneGAALive 0-12@RoscommonGAA 1-07
A leithéid de chúilín agus scór mór faighte ag Darragh Canavan 😍
Canavan has his shooting boots on today!
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV 📺
#AllianzLeagues #GAABeo pic.twitter.com/LKuqx0WD3n— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 28, 2024
With many tipping Tyrone for relegation from Division 1 this year, this result certainly gives them a strong foundation for the remainder of the campaign.
It will be especially pleasing to get the win in such difficult circumstances.
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