Mayo were forced to dig deep to secure a winning start to their Allianz National League campaign.
A gale force wind and torrential rain at MacHale Park on Saturday night left Mayo trailing Roscommon at the break but an impressive comeback in the second half, culminating in a late Brian Reape goal, earned the hosts a hard-fought 1-8 to 1-7 victory.
The weather wasn’t the only factor that James Horan’s men had to contend with as they had to battle through some questionable behaviour from the visitors.
Roscommon’s Donie Smith can perhaps consider himself lucky for managing to stay on the pitch despite seemingly making contact with the eyes of Keith Higgins after 26 minutes.
Viewers were in little doubt about the contact although Smith will likely dispute any intention if and when the incident is looked into.
Supporters were also none too pleased with the fact that Smith threw himself to the ground holding his face after Higgins appeared to make minimal contact with his forehead by way of reaction.
We’ve seen several accusations of eye gouging in the GAA in recent years; with Philly McMahon, James McCarthy and Eoghan O’Gara all having to respond to allegations of that offence.
It remains to be seen whether Smith will face any retrospective action but supporters feel that the clash should warrant a lengthy suspension.
https://twitter.com/Woolberto/status/1089248012214386688
@MayoGAA am aghast that Donie Smith is still on the pitch
— Carmel Kelly, Cllr (@CarmelMarieK) January 26, 2019
I think it's fair to say Donie Smith won't play much more of this league campaign after getting away (for now) with that disgraceful eye gouging. No place in the game for that sh*t! #AllianzLeagues
— Niall Murphy (@niall_t_murphy) January 26, 2019
Donie Smith should get a nice long suspension for the eye gouging. Lowlife behaviour. #Mayogaa
— Joe Morley (@sixpointsup) January 26, 2019
Can @officialgaa take retrospective action against Donie Smith's attempted eye gouge on Keith Higgins? #Shocking #AllianzLeagues #
— Cathal (@cathalcremer) January 26, 2019
https://twitter.com/DaveMcIntyreIRL/status/1089245910771683329
Donie Smith got away with a red card in first half. Should not get away with suspension. Camera angle very clear
— Emmet Masterson (@Sean_Emmet) January 26, 2019
