Free-kick footage and stats debunks criticism aimed at Tipperary star

He is exonerated.

The 20-year-old is already an enemy of the Rebel faithful after being sent-off in the Munster SHC last year against their bitter rivals, before starring in the Premier's All-Ireland final win.

After coming off the bench, McCarthy was booed and received particular attention for his free-kick routine.

The Toomevara man stands over the ball and composes himself like most, but he then walks back to throw grass in the air to check the wind, which some commenters feel takes up too much time.

Cork boss Ben O'Connor also alluded to this after the game.

He said: “We've harder battles at training, and I am sure every county is the same, because we don't blow the whistle, we let them at it. We are just looking for it to be let flow. And frees taking two minutes to hit, do you know. You go home and watch the stats of the game, how long was the ball in play tonight? For 75, 76 minutes, how long was the ball in play?” 

He also called for a time limit, adding: “There should be a limit on it, yeah. Definitely. From the time the referee's whistle is blown, there should be a limit. There are improvements that could be done to our game, not watching for a fella pulling and tearing at jerseys.” 

However, some excellent research by journalist Paul Carroll shows that McCarthy's routine, while a few seconds longer than most, doesn't add much time to the game on the whole.

Carroll also highlighted the routines of other players, and showed that McCarthy is quicker than Kilkenny's TJ Reid and takes roughly the same time as Clare's Mark Rodgers.

Another inquisitive poster shared a clip of O'Connor in his playing days, taking exceptionally long to hit a free for Cork during the 2005 All-Ireland final.