Former captain in robust defence of Kerry tactics

FORMER Kerry captain Donie O’Sullivan has defended Jack O’Connor’s team for what has been perceived in some quarters as an overly-robust approach.

Cork manager Billy Morgan has criticised Kerry’s physicality on more than one occasion while others claim the All-Ireland finalists are merely adopting the blueprint drawn up by Tyrone and Armagh in recent years.

“There is always that rivalry between Cork and Kerry and that’s inclined to be rather tense,” said O’Sullivan. “It was more intense than usual, I think, last Sunday. Last year we had the same story.

“The rules allow it. The rules allow 10 people to be around the ball and allow what they called the glorified (hand) pass and I wouldn’t criticise players for doing that because if I was young and playing now I would be exploiting the rules as well.”