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RTÉ Pundits Have Heated Disagreement Over Potential Louth Penalty Incident

RTÉ Pundits Have Heated Disagreement Over Potential Louth Penalty Incident
Gary Connaughton
By Gary Connaughton
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Mayo have secured their second consecutive victory in the All-Ireland round robin series, although Kevin McStay's side certainly didn't have it all their own way in the 0-14 to 1-10 win over Louth.

Playing in a sweltering MacHale Park, the home side led for the vast majority of the game. In saying that, Louth's defensive approach in the opening half kept them well within touching distance.

Mickey Harte's men were consistent throughout, although Mayo did look to have the game won when holding a five-point lead in the closing moments. However, a late goal from Conal McKeever did put some late pressure on the hosts.

In the end, they just ran out of time as Mayo cemented their place at the top of the group.

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RTÉ pundits have disagreement over Louth penalty incident

Mayo probably deserved to win the game, although the outcome could have been a different one if a couple of refereeing decisions went Louth's way.

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Some felt they could have had a penalty early in the second half when Leonard Gray was tackled by goalkeeper Colm Reape in a dangerous manner in the penalty area. While Louth would score a point, some felt the referee could have awarded the spot kick.

It was an incident that caused a bit of disagreement on the television broadcast.

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Speaking RTÉ after the game, Sean Cavanagh and Ciaran Whelan got into a heated argument over what the right decision should have been on this occasion.

Whelan: This could be given further out the field. It's a brilliant ball in to Leonard Grey and as he cuts across [Colm] Reape comes in and makes contact.

Cavanagh: But Ciaran, you're allowed to make contact?

Whelan: No, just before he kicks the ball he pushes him.

Cavanagh: He's a goalkeeper, you're allowed to put your hand on somebody.

Whelan: Not just because he's a goalkeeper, it's the same as if you're an outfield player.

Cavanagh: You're allowed to put your hand on somebody if you're an outfield player as well.

Whelan: Not if it's a push.

Cavanagh: That's not a push!

Whelan: It is a push.

Cavanagh: He's a goalkeeper, where are his hands supposed to go? Are his hands supposed to go behind his back?

Whelan: Hold on, my point is that if a forward is taking a shot from 30 yards and before they struck the ball someone came in and knocks them off balance, have you seen those frees given...

Cavanagh: I think the keeper has every given right to put his hand anywhere near the player and the ball.

Whelan: So you can put your hand anywhere?

Cavanagh: Near the player, yeah. The player had the ball in his chest, you're allowed to put your hand there.

Whelan: He knocked him off balance.

Cavanagh: I don't know, maybe the Dubs played a non-contact game over the years.

It's difficult to know who to side with here.

While it may have been harsh to award a penalty, there was certainly contact and you probably would get a free for a similar incident further out the field.

Louth will now be left to wonder what could have been. In any case, they can certainly be pleased with their display against a very good Mayo team.

SEE ALSO: Pundits Slam "Nonsense" GAA Decision Not To Allow Water Break

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