Longford full-forward James McGivney was shown a red card for a late challenge on Dublin goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton during his side’s 19-point loss to the three-time defending All-Ireland champions on Sunday.
Longford were trailing 1-8 to 0-4 points when McGivney was dismissed by referee Maurice Deegan for a late tackle on Cluxton where he appeared to elbow the Dublin goalkeeper in the face shortly after he punched a high ball clear.
This really was despicable. Has a look, spots Cluxton, then sets out to hurt him. pic.twitter.com/mqCLyrzbgE
— Darren Cleary (@RadioCleary) June 10, 2018
Dublin forward Paul Mannion buried a terrific goal for the hosts just minutes after McGivney’s dismissal as Longford began to stare down a 2-25 to 0-12 drubbing in Croke Park.
Dublin midfielder Brian Fenton said after the game that the red card had an impact on the game and that his side are really looking forward to another Leinster final with Laois.
“Anytime you come out of a Leinster semi-final with a victory it’s a great day,” said Fenton.
“We’re really looking forward now to the final in two weeks. It was warm out there and the conditions were tough but I suppose any team with a man sent off will find it a bit more difficult so we tried to use the space as best as we could and clip a few points and luckily that’s what we did.”
Brian Fenton is already looking forward to a Leinster final battle with Laois #RTEgaa pic.twitter.com/LejSqT3Z6c
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 10, 2018
