Nathan Mullen was red carded for his challenge on Oisin Savage in the Tailteann Cup semi-final.
Sligo were beating Down by three points at that stage, with 61 minutes on the clock, but Mullen's dismissal proved to be a huge turning point in the game.
Down went onto score the next three points, forcing extra-time where the numerical advantage told.
In the end they won out by 1-20 to 2-15 to reach their second Tailteann Cup final in a row.
The main concern was the welfare of Savage, who was stretchered off the pitch after what his manager Conor Laverty described as a 'scary' injury.
“I know he was bad whenever I was out on the pitch, it was scary stuff, even the noises that he was making. It was genuinely scary, that’s the truth,” said Laverty, who had ran in from the sideline to check on his player.
Savage's club Loughlinisland gave an update on his condition on 'X' on Sunday night, with scans coming back 'clear' although they added 'he may need surgery on his jaw.'
Update on Oisin Savage.
Oisin is staying the night in hospital. Scans have come back clear however he may need surgery on his jaw tomorrow.
Everyone wishes Oisin all the best. The recovery starts tomorrow 💪 . https://t.co/1eNwnfo8mb
— LoughinislandGAC (@LislandGac) June 23, 2024
RTÉ were criticised for not showing a replay of the incident during the game but they showed another angle of the challenge on The Sunday Game.
Lee Keegan described it as a "really rash challenge" from the Sligo player and says it was a red card in his opinion.
"It's probably the crucial moment in the game to be honest because Sligo were actually in control of the game at this point," said the Mayo legend.
"It looks a very heavy challenge initially but when you see this angle, for me, it's a definite red card on Oisin Savage. We hope he's okay. I wish him the best.
"It probably flipped the game on its head a little bit.
"Down go onto score the next three points and then obviously going into extra-time, you're chasing it. Nathan Mullen will probably be frustrated with himself, but it's a really rash challenge."
"It's a really rash challenge and, from that angle, it's a definite red card..."
A second-half sending off cost Sligo dear in their Tailteann Cup semi-final loss to Down.
📺 Watch The Sunday Game on RTÉ2 & RTÉplayer pic.twitter.com/pJ43KQ6NY0— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 23, 2024
Down will face Laois in the final, with Justin McNutly's side having overcome Antrim by five points in the day's other semi-final.
