Why Mayo’s stunning All-Ireland final goal should not have counted

It had to be said....

The steps rule in Gaelic football states 'that a player can carry the ball in their hand for a maximum of four consecutive steps before they must release, bounce, or solo it.'

Now it has always been a contentious law, as it is nearly impossible to call at times, given the speed of the game, and if it was to be stringently employed by referees, it would slow the game down and completely take away from the spectacle.

In the past there has even been calls to change the rule from four steps to two seconds; a motion which was defeated at the 2020 GAA Congress.

While it is widely agreed among fans that it is fine to see players get away with 6-7 steps, anything more and the game begins to resemble rugby, with a huge advantage given to the attacker.

Beirne's goal was all about the run from Player of the Year Ryan O'Donoghue, who picks up the ball on his own 45 line, before taking on the Kerry team, beating three players with scintillating speed and agility, before producing a lovely fisted pass over two defenders for David McBrien to run on to.

However, during his initial run, O'Donoghue takes 9-10 steps before bouncing the ball.

We do need to let mavericks loose for the good of the game, but over double the allotted amount of steps is egregious, and it should have been penalised.

Would it have made a difference to the outcome of the? Who knows...

Whats we do know, is that Kerry took a lot of stick for a few poor calls and non-calls in the lead up to goals during their semi-final against Dublin.