AIDAN FORKER was likened to Zinedine Zidane for the moment of madness that saw him shown a straight red card against Donegal.
The Armagh stalwart was shown his marching orders following a bizarre incident involved Michael Murphy in Ballybofey.
The Donegal man had only moments earlier made his return following a two-year hiatus, much to the delight of fans.
He immediately tussled with old enemy Forker, with the two men pushing and shoving the other.
Then, in a moment of madness, Forker headbutted Murphy in his chest, leaving the referee with no choice but to brandish the red card.
Fans immediately compared him to Zinedine Zidane, who was famously sent off for headbutting Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final.
Naoise remarked: “Forker just wishing Murphy a Happy Birthday – Zidane style”
Davey posted: “Funniest red I have seen in a long time” while Dermot commented: “Zidane/Materazzi…”
Irish Independent journalist Colm Keys said: “Michael Murphy back and immediately renewing acquaintances with Aidan Forker, the last player to mark him 2023.
“Forker reacts, channels inner Zidane and is sent off, for a head into the chest. Murphy scores. Some impact!”
Smaller Fish GAA said: “WHAT was Forker thinking
“F***ing Zidanned Murphy Had to be a red”
The All-Ireland champions went on to lose the Division 1 contest, with Jim McGuinness’ men running out 0-21 to 1-10 victors.
And speaking afterwards, Kieran McGeeney admitted the Orchard County only had themselves to blame.
McGeeney said: “We came back well in the game and we had all the chances.
“We gave away ten balls in a row in the first half.
“It was just shocking stuff. I’d love to blame somebody else, but we were the architects of our own downfall, no doubt.”
The Donegal boss has seen his troops overcome the last three All-Ireland winners, following on from victories over Dublin and Kerry and this Sunday it is Galway — the only other unbeaten team in the top flight — in Salthill.
McGuinness said: “Six points is a very important marker and I think everyone wants to get there as quickly as possible.
“So, we’re there now, we’re thankful for that. We’ll have to keep the shoe down now.
“It’s great to have Michael back, great to have his presence. There’s not much I can say about Michael that hasn’t been said before. But I thought that he just led the line really well when he went in there.”
