Hooter controversy as fans confused by bizarre ending to Meath v Galway
Meath have reached their first All-Ireland semi-final in 16-years after an epic win over Galway at Croke Park.
Robbie Brennan's side returned to Croke Park for the first time since their Leinster final loss to Louth last month, but the Royals came out the right side this afternoon as they edged past Galway by just a single point.
Meath were excellent throughout and were full value for their win. However, the manner in which the game ended has left some fans confused and displeased.
Leading by one, Meath kept the ball for the final moments of the game and were eventually awarded a free-kick with just seconds left on the clock.
Cathal Hickey kicked the ball out of play at the Hill-16 end with just one second left on the clock, with the hooter sounding before Conor Gleeson was able to get his kickout away. Many fans expected the game to resume with a kickout, but the referee signalled that the game had ended instead.
But while fans are upset, the referee actually made the correct call as per the rule, "If the ball is already out of play following a score, a wide or for a sideline kick when the hooter sounds, the Referee shall signal the end of playing time on the sounding of the hooter."
As the ball technically was dead when the hooter was blown, the referee had no choice but to blow his whistle and end the game.
While the new rules introduced by the FRC have been drilled into fans all year, a quick look at social media proves that supporters are still very confused by the hooter rule.
"What are the rules around this hooter ? The referee only stops the clock when he feels like it. The clock restarts before the ball is back in play. For the entire last minute of that game the ball wasn't in play at all," wrote one fan on Twitter.
"Ball went wide before the hooter how come Galway couldn't take the kick out?" said another.
"@officialgaa can you clarify the rule regarding the hooter? We kept being told that the game is over when the ball goes dead AFTER the hooter. If that is the case then we have been treated to an absolute howler," wrote a third fan.
"Did the hooter going after the wide not mean the kickout should have been allowed to be taken?" said another fan.
But even with an understanding of the rule, many fans àre displeased that a game can end in such a manner.
"It should be the rule, but as far as I understand it, if the ball isn't in play when the hooter goes, that is the end of the game. Which shouldn't be the case in my opinion."
Plenty of supporters also had an issue with how the final minute of the game played out, with some fans thinking the referee mis-read the time. However, this may not necessarily be the case.
Journalist Daniel Hussey broke down the last minute of the game: "Last play Meath vs Galway: 69:05 - Keogan fouled on halfway 69:24 - Free taken by Meath 69:36 - Costello fouled in the corner 69:45 - Ref stops clock Clock restarts 69:56 - Meath free is kicked 69:58 - Ball goes wide 70:00 - Hooter goes Referee got it spot on."
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