Ref's timekeeping called into question

Referee Ciaran Branagan was escorted off the field after the match.

Referee Ciaran Branagan, once again, finds himself caught in the eye of a storm.

The Down official - who was the linesman involved in the altercation with Diarmuid Connolly - took charge of this evening's All-Ireland SFC qualifier Round 4A game between Mayo and Cork. 

The Rebels lost out by a point in an extra-time thriller and eyebrows were raised when Branagan appeared to bring proceedings to an end earlier than the announced three minutes stoppage time.

Major talking point game had 30 seconds left ! #mayocork #prematurewhitle #qualifier

- Shane Curran (@shanetcurran) July 22, 2017

Ha ha same ref who was Lino for Connolly incident ha ha ha what a fool .. decided he had enough and blew it up

- Conor.mortimer (@Conmort) July 22, 2017

Did he just blow that up early or were my eyes deceiving me??? What a game

- Anthony Masterson (@antomasterson1) July 22, 2017

Ciaran Branagan must be the most controversial official this year refed it well up to extra time

- Colm Clarke (@colmclarke65) July 22, 2017

Branagan be lucky if he makes it to the dressing room alive

- Anthony Kennedy (@antokeeeeeendy1) July 22, 2017

Was there not 30 seconds left in that match ?? #corkvmayo

- Rory's Stories (@RorysStories) July 22, 2017