Morgan: Forget Ulster, the most cynical football team is down south

CORK coach Billy Morgan has labelled arch-rivals Kerry as one of the most cynical football teams in the country.

Morgan's blast came in the wake of the Rebels' 0-14 to 0-9 Allianz League defeat by the Kingdom at Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday night.

"People look at the northern teams and criticise them for their cynicism, but the most cynical team is down south," he declared.

"The off-the-ball stuff, like when you pass the ball, and there's player coming in with a straight elbow that happened three or four times tonight," he claimed.

It's not the first time Morgan has drawn attention to Kerry's style of play he also made reference to their "cynical play" after last year's All-Ireland semi-final defeat.

He added on Saturday: "They intimidate players like (fiery Cork defender) Noel O'Leary early on, so he'll retaliate and get sent off.

"And it's all over the field. (Kerry selector) Johnny Culloty was on the paper before last year's All-Ireland final looking for protection for Colm Cooper the Gooch is well able to protect himself and dish it out, as he did tonight," said Morgan.

Kerry coach, Jack O'Connor declined to respond to the accusations.

The Cork coach was also critical of Laois referee Maurice Deegan, suggesting Kerry midfielder Darragh Ó Sé controlled proceedings more than the official did.

"The referee may as well have given the whistle to Darragh Ó Se because he was refereeing it for him. The free count would be interesting from my point of view it was very much against Cork."

And in a cryptic reference to unnamed critics of his regime, Morgan added: "We've answered a few so called experts, failed coaches and players who couldn't make it themselves and who hadn't the gumption or heart for the battle, but who can write articles undermining Cork football.

"Come next September, we'll be answering a few of them."