Former Mayo star Cora Staunton described the incident which led to Aidan Forker’s sending off against Donegal as “a moment of madness”.

With his team trailing by three points, the Armagh captain was shown a straight red card after headbutting opponent Michael Murphy in the chest moments after his introduction as substitute.

From there, the Ulster champions would go on to record a comfortable 0-21 to 1-10 win, marking their third straight win in Division 1, and Staunton said afterwards that the sending off was “very disappointing”.

"I don't know what Aidan Forker was doing," the 11-time All-Star said on The Sunday Game.

"Yeah, there was a big roar when Michael came on in the 44th minute and I suppose Aidan Forker was trying to show him a bit of toughness and who's boss.

"And what he did next was a moment of madness. A headbutt into the chest.

"Michael Murphy didn't even flinch. Red card all day. It was very disappointing because Armagh had just come back into the game."

Frantic stuff! Michael Murphy makes his return, Aidan Forker receives red card for this head-butt. Michael scores a point immediately after. Then another. Stokes the fire of this rivalry.

Is there anything like the love, Donegal people have for Murphy?
pic.twitter.com/8tZV43Tx00

— Thomas Niblock (@thomasniblock) February 16, 2025

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