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Dubs great slams umpires in argument with Kerry legend after controversial goals

Published 18:24 12 Jul 2026 BST

Updated 18:24 12 Jul 2026 BST

Colman Stanley
Dubs great slams umpires in argument with Kerry legend after controversial goals

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Some massive moments!

Kerry are still in the hunt for their second Sam Maguire in a row after a 2-18 to 0-20 win over Dublin in their All-Ireland semi-final.

However, the Kingdom will be counting their blessings after three huge goal decisions went in their favour.

The first saw Kerry awarded a penalty after what looked like a hard but fair challenge by Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne on Joe O'Connor.

David Clifford then scored the goal after his initial penalty attempt was saved.

In the second half, Dublin had a three-point lead in the 43rd minute when Seán O'Brien palmed in a goal for Kerry.

But on replay, it was clear that Dublin should have been awarded a free as O'Brien was already in the six-yard box when the ball was played in.

The third huge moment came later in the second half, when Ross McGarry's effort was cleared off the line by Mike Breen.

It was an incredibly close call but looked like it may have snuck over.

After the game, Dublin great Paul Flynn was hugely critical of the officials, while Kerry legend Tomás Ó Sé had sympathy for them.

Ó Sé: "Flip it lads, it's so hard to see that.

Flynn: "I think you're being very kind on umpires, they have one job. Just tell us when the ball goes over the line.

"This game is a game of inches.

"That was a tough call (the McGarry effort), the square ball was as clear a square ball as you're going to see, we had a peno that was a harsh call early doors, and a massive turnover by Dublin on David Clifford.

"Turnovers on David Clifford are few and far between."

Ó Sé: "I'd be more critical on refs than anyone and I would call it as straight as I see it.

"Those two calls, the one with the square ball, and that goal, in real time it's extremely hard to call and yes it's tough on Dublin, I'd agree, but in real time I'd go easy on the officials."