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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Turnbull

Joe Brolly blasts closing stages of All-Ireland final and calls for replay between Kilmacud Crokes and Glen

Joe Brolly has blasted the closing stages of the All-Ireland Club Football Championship final which saw Kilmacud Crokes defend a Glen attack with 16 men.

Glen were trailing with only seconds to spare when they were awarded a 45 and a chance for a winning goal. Their attempt went wide which crowned Crokes winners. However, shortly afterwards images appeared on social media showing there were 16 men on the pitch defending the 45.

Towards the end of the match, Kilmacud made two substitutions with Dara Mullin one of those coming off. Instead though he stayed on the pitch and helped defend the incoming kick.

READ MORE: Kerry legend David Moran retires from inter-county football

In a series of tweets, Brolly wrote: "My own view is that the honourable course is a replay. This was not a technical breach of the rule. 15 v 15 is a fundamental requirement. Playing v 16 men in the dying minutes with the extra man defending the goal line is a travesty. Lads. Get off the beer!

He then added: "Under R6.44, the Committee only has 3 options: Award of Game to the Opposing Team, Replay, or Fine, 'depending on the circumstances.' Here, Dara Mullin was subbed, stayed on & defended the goal line for the last 45. It was a flagrant breach at a critical moment.

Joe Brolly (©INPHO/James Crombie)

"The 'circumstances' couldn’t have been more critical. This wasn’t a player straying over the sideline, not interfering with play. The GAA will not want to set a precedent encouraging teams to fire on extra players at the end to defend a lead. A replay is the likely outcome."

It is understood Glen will ask the GAA for "clarification" around the appearance of the 16th man.

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