Angry Fans

Anyone who thought we might get past an exhilarating game like Sunday’s All Ireland senior hurling final without controversy was sadly mistaken.

On the contrary, a number of key refereeing decisions are the focus of a heated debate about their effect on the result. The GAA’s King Canute-like attempts to prevent a flood of fans onto the pitch after the final whistle also come in for fierce criticism from traditionalists and even the handling of the presentation to the minors gets a right lash from a disgruntled fan.

Sunday’s refereeing controversy is really part of a continuing saga of fans’ anger over the alleged poor quality of refereeing and umpiring in top championship games.   At least this week, the anger is tempered by some suggestions for reform.