Peter Canavan says referee got controversial Ciaran Thompson decision right 

Peter Canavan has come to the defence of Brendan Cawley in the wake of Donegal’s 1-14 to 0-15 All-Ireland semi-final loss to Galway. 

The Kildare whistler’s decision to penalise Ciaran Thompson for touching the ball on the ground late on at Croke Park drew furious irk of green and gold followers as it replayed on the giant screen immediately after. 

And it was a decision, 64 minutes in, that allowed Galway to retake the lead at 1-13 to 0-15 as Robert Finnerty easily converted the close range free. It was a huge moment and influential moment. 

And speaking to the media after, Donegal boss Jim McGuinness admitted he was frustrated with a number of the Kildare whistler’s calls throughout. 

"I don't make comments about referees and I try to stay away from it," said McGuinness.

"There were a number that we weren't happy with. In the first minute, Ryan McHugh was breaking through, had two men pulling at him and he was blown for over-carrying.

"I don't really want to go there; it is what it is. These games can be decided by one or two moments. We'll take it on the chin."

However, McGuinness’ old Sky Sports pundit partner and All-Ireland icon Canavan says that on the Thompson decision at least, the man in the middle called it right. 

"I've spoken to a few refs since and they say the ref was dead right here," Canavan said on The Sunday Game.

"The Donegal players were so angry saying that he didn't touch it on the ground and the rule is if the ball touches the ground, it's a free.

"It was the correct call and the exact same thing happened to Paul Murphy (Kerry) on Saturday at a crucial stage where he had the ball, he slipped, and the ball touched the ground.

"Even though it was still in possession, and David Gough was quick to give a scoreable free-in to Armagh. It was the same there. As frustrating as it was.

"The rule also, if you have possession of the ball, you're tackled and the ball goes to the ground, if you're still in possession, you can play it on the ground. 

“Yet when you're in possession, you can't touch it like that there so it's frustrating but Brendan Cawley got it right."