27-07-2025
GAA fans rant over 'brutal' new rule that Kerry used to their advantage
A number of GAA fans were left displeased as Kerry used the hooter rule to their advantage to end the first half of the All-Ireland Football final.
In what was a rip-roaring first half between the two best teams in the country, the pace of the game comically slowed down for the final 90 seconds as Kerry waited for the hooter to blow.
The Kingdom and Donegal did not take a backwards step and played the game at a ridiculously impressive pace up to that point but knowing that if they played to the hooter and put the ball dead, Kerry knew Donegal could work the ball for the final shot.
The rule change was brought in this year, removing injury time and removing the subjective nature of it. However, the unintended consequence has meant that teams are happy to keep the ball and work the final shot.
Some GAA fans were not happy with the spectacle after what was such an exciting opening half.
"The hooter needs to be gotten rid of. Incentivises teams to stop attacking for the last 10 minutes & to play ugly defensive football," said one viewer.
"Playing down until hooter actually drives me insane," said another.
"Something needs to be done about that hooter rule. Lazy & unsportsmanlike," complained another.
"I'm fully in support of the 2 pointer rule now. However, the hooter needs to go- it's a solution to a problem that wasn't really a problem," complained another.
