Mayo’s Séamus O’Shea of Mayo in action against Tyrone’s Seán Cavanagh . Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

It was a game that they should have won.

Tyrone had the chances to beat Mayo on Saturday night at Croke Park, but a mixture of poor shooting, refereeing decisions and Mayo determination put paid to their chances.

The Red Hands lost by a single score 0-13 to 0-12, in what was an enthralling game of football. The two teams went score for score throughout. Tyrone were slow in the first half, but still went in level at half time. The two teams played defensive systems, which were resilient to an extent.

Mickey Harte’s team tried to nullify Aidan O’Shea, while Mayo did a lot of work in keeping tabs on Sean Cavanagh.

While O’Shea got angry at the attention, Cavanagh suffered a much worse fate as he was sent off for a second yellow.

Tyrone had chances to win the game in the final moments, but Mayo held on.

The reaction from Twitter was a mix of support for the Red Hands, and pleading for Sean Cavanagh to stay on.

Devastated but thanks for the support all year!Privilege as always to play for Tyrone and be part of this team!We win or learn ?⚪️#brothers

— Matthew donnelly (@mattydonn86) August 7, 2016

Tara how 1 game can change everyones opinion.. Some of the things said on social media about the players is shocking..

— Shay Mc Guigan (@shaymus08) August 7, 2016

Sean Cavanagh is a hero . And takes dogs abuse every day he’s on the field. Umpires an linesmen have there eyes painted on !!!!!

— Pjquinn (@pjquinn109) August 6, 2016

Everybody will have their opinion . This group is a family , and we will be back . Thanks to all the fans who followed all year .

— Colm Cavanagh (@collykid2) August 6, 2016

Mayo might have won that match but football is most definitely the loser #horrible

— Tommy McGuigan (@nilsatis100) August 6, 2016

Tyrone have areas to improve but will be back. Too many keyboard warriors out there. The commitment shown by these lads is without equal.

— Mickey Donnelly (@MickeyD1973) August 6, 2016