Kerry battled their way to a five point win over Donegal amid ugly scenes in Tralee, with neither side finishing the game with a full compliment of players.
Referee Eddie Kinsella brandished six yellow cards, two red cards, two black cards and whistled for 59 frees in a game were tempers flared on numerous occasions.
Kerry full-forward Alan Fitzgerald was the first to be shown red for striking Neil McGee, although it appears the Donegal full back initiated the conflict.
Dirt from Neil McGee & stupid from Alan Fitzgerald in front of umpires #GAA #GAANFL pic.twitter.com/FDh8HRLFA6
— UnOfficialGaa (@unofficialgaa) March 6, 2016
©INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Leo McLoone then saw red to even up the numbers for the same offence, with Aidan O'Mahoney on the receiving end.
More handbags on Mothering Sunday pic.twitter.com/yxwFvADsT1
— SportsJOE GAA (@SportsJOE_GAA) March 6, 2016
There were a number of other incidents that marred the football that was on display, but the tone was set from the first whistle when Kieran Donaghy and Michael Murphy clashed at the throw in.
The game was delayed for about three minutes as a number of players from both sides got involved in the unsavoury scenes, with Marc O'Se needing a replacement jersey.
It didn't stop there as the cameras at the ground managed to capture at least six players from both sides striking.
Cameras have caught at least six players striking in Tralee. Mad game.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) March 6, 2016
The game tidied up somewhat in the second half, with the 'schemozzles' left to a minimum and more of a focus on the football, but one might feel that the CCCC will cast a close eye over the replays.
Red card for a little punch and nothing for trying to break a fellas fingers. Good umpire.
— James O'Donoghue (@Jamesod7) March 6, 2016
No harm for McGee to get his nose popped for what he did to Alan Fitz. That's going to him a long time. #Kerry #AllianzLeagues
— paul galvin (@pgal10) March 6, 2016
Listen Donegal, @Niallmacaoidh can't complain. Nor can ye. Simple as that. He knows the score. No way McLoone deserved red. #AllianzLeagues
— paul galvin (@pgal10) March 6, 2016
A lot of stupid stuff going on but good win by @Kerry_Official today. Long drive home for Donegal I've done it many times after losing dere
— Tomás Ó Sé (@tomas5ky) March 6, 2016
Referee making some hames of this. No consistency with black card. Kerry donegal
— Tomás Ó Sé (@tomas5ky) March 6, 2016
Deserved win for Kerry. Much more fluent in attack. Donegal will rue hitting woodwork three times. An ugly game. No love lost.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) March 6, 2016
Kerry leading Donegal 0-7 to 0-3 at half time in Tralee. 2 red cards, 2 black. Dana White said to be enjoying it thoroughly.
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) March 6, 2016
Surely Marc O Se should have got the road there too #gaa #kerryvdonegal
— John Riordan (@JrRiordan) March 6, 2016
Neil McGee must have been up watching UFC last night! I hope @officialgaa CCCC throw the book at him, shocking example to younger players!
— Chris Collins (@ograchris) March 6, 2016
