International Rules manager Joe Kernan has blasted referees for not protecting Michael Murphy during today’s second and final game against Australia.
Kernan criticised the refereeing in the second International Rules test in Perth, describing it as ‘diabolical and not fair on players.’
He was particularly outraged over the treatment of Michael Murphy, who was targeted by Australia after he scored a massive 20 points in the sides’ first test last weekend.
Kernan said “I thought the refereeing was diabolical. Michael Murphy was tortured all day. He was being dragged all over the place and never got a free.
“I don’t mind a man being targeted if he gets cover. There was no cover for him today.”
“And Aidan O’Shea got a forearm smash right in front of the dug-out. It should have been a straight red but it wasn’t even ticked,” said Kernan.
The referees were Maurice Deegan (Laois) and Matt Stevic (Australia).
Despite being unhappy with the standard of refereeing, the Irish manager did not blame it for Ireland’s defeat.
“A lack of composure cost us at times.In the last quarter, we were caught too many times on the ball. It’s very disappointing. The game was there for the taking,” he said.
Ireland led 41-34 going into final quarter but ending up losing 53-50 leaving Australia to win the series on a 116-103 aggregate.
Tags: