O’Connor blasts ‘man-handlers’

KERRY coach Jack O’Connor has called for an official crackdown on man-handling and intimidation of players off the ball, warning that skilful forwards must be protected by referees and umpires.

He was responding to criticism of All-Star Colm Cooper, who made such a huge contribution to the All-Ireland champions’ win in the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday and who was involved in an incident which led to a Limerick player receiving a second yellow card and being dismissed.

Limerick manager Liam Kearns made the claim after the game that Cooper “had his player sent off”, even though he said he hadn’t seen the particular incident. Afterwards, Cooper was clearly upset and didn’t give any interviews.