John Fogarty: Seven reasons to give referees a chance before making judgement

Before we all embark on another season of blasting the fall guys, spare them a few thoughts

MAKING THE CALL: Referee Thomas Walsh signals for a penalty after Wexford’s Rory O’Connor was fouled by Laois defender Lee Cleere in Sunday’s Allianz HL Division 1 Group B match at Chadwicks Wexford Park. Cleere was sin-binned for his troubles. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Seemingly, the first GAA games in four and a half months have replaced The Irishman as the greatest letdown in history.

Considering the mitigating factors like a three-week preparation period behind a not so spectacular launch, expecting fireworks was as notional as believing Robert de Niro could deage like Benjamin Button.