Brian Gavin: John Keenan knew Peter Casey would miss the final. He didn't make the call lightly

Apart from one or two things, John Keenan had close to the perfect game on Saturday.

Peter Casey of Limerick is shown a straight red card by referee John Keenan, for an off the ball incident with Conor Gleeson of Waterford, during the All-Ireland semi-final. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Any time a player threatens to miss out on an All-Ireland final because of suspension, there is going to be controversy.

I shouldn’t have to stress this, but no referee wants to deny a player the opportunity to play on hurling’s biggest day of the year, possibly the biggest day in their career.