Tactical fouling pushes modern Gaelic football to the limits

The black card was an attempt to grasp cynical play problem by the stem but it was never going to take out the root as well.

GET TO GRIPS: David Moran of Kerins O'Rahilly's is pulled back by Luke Ward of Kilmacud Crokes. Picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

A robust nod confirmed Robbie Brennan already knew the stat that was being levelled at him. Kerins O'Rahillys 8, Kilmacud Crokes 30. The free count from their All-Ireland semi-final victory. Damning evidence, what’s the plea?

"I'll do the old Premier League thing and I won't say anything because I'll get in trouble,” Brennan replied. “I'll let people judge that one for themselves. It's a crazy stat.” Like any good cross examination, Micheál Ó Domhnaill’s follow-up attempted to delve deeper. You think the ref was hard on you then?