Why fans are describing Michael Murphy as ‘GAA’s Alan Shearer’ – and not in a good way
Donegal fans are loving having their talisman Michael Murphy back, but does he get away with a few late slaps?
The 35-year-old helped lead Donegal to a first All-Ireland final in 11 years on Sunday with their demolition of Meath at Croke Park, before being subbed on 45 minutes with the victory all but secured.
But some onlookers pointed out on social media that Murphy should have been given a black card for contact on Sean Rafferty in the first half, and was generally given leeway by officials in the match.
Fans also pointed out that Murphy was shown leniency in April’s clash with Derry, receiving a yellow for a punch to the midriff.
Murphy got away with it because refs dont blow him up for half his shit, purely because he's Michael Murphy. It's a joke.
— Eóin Grant 💙 🇮🇪🇵🇸 (@eoinpgrant) July 13, 2025
don’t think Donegal people will care as he’s a brilliant footballer and makes them better, but so unlikeable
— Seán Ó Raghallaigh (@RaghallaighJ) July 13, 2025
Murphy got away with that late hit on Rafferty – great start to this game, Donegal started well but a Frayne two-pointer (with the breeze has Meath ahead)
Meath with two big turnovers on Donegal attacks in-a-row and leave a two-pointer and a goal chance behind them already
One said: “Michael Murphy is GAA, equivalent of Alan Shearer. Always getting off with dubious decisions” alluding to the Newcastle striker’s frequent physical play, and a perceived leniency from referees and journalists.
In 1998, Shearer famously said he would not travel to the World Cup with England if he was charged for misconduct by the FA for a kick on Leicester’s Neil Lennon.
Another said: “Hard to like Michael Murphy when he’s always leaving in late hits like that on Seán Rafferty. Been at it all year and he’s still treated like a saint.”
And another commented: “He can do what he wants. Most protected player in the sport.”
Remember when Neil Lennon headbutted Alan Shearer's boot but the England captain was still gracious enough to check that he was ok…. pic.twitter.com/srMVJwt5k6
— When Football Was Better (@FootballInT80s) May 15, 2019
Michael Murphy is GAA, equivalent of Alan Shearer. Always getting off with dubious decisions.
— Bayhota (@bayhota) July 13, 2025
But another also sprung to the defence of Murphy, saying: “If you think Michael Murphy gets preferential treatment from refs you really need to stop watching football. Please people stop tweeting that. Thanks”
Murphy will be laughing all the way to the All Ireland final reading the comments, as Donegal prepare to face Kerry on July 27 at Croke Park.
There was some concern as to why Murphy was brought off so early in the match on Sunday, but Donegal coach Jim McGuinness said afterwards: “No, no, he is good.”
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