Tipperary boss labels handpass lawmakers ‘intelligent fools’

TIPPERARY manager John Evans yesterday labelled the officials who passed the new handpass legislation in football as “intelligent fools”, with Kerry boss Jack O’Connor also joining the criticism following yesterday’s Munster SFC quarter-final at Semple Stadium.

Under new guidelines, officially in force since last Saturday week, if a player handpasses the ball using the open hand, there must be a definite underhand striking action.

There were teething problems in Thurles yesterday but Evans and O’Connor were reluctant to criticise referee David Coldrick, who briefed them before the game, and instead unleashed their anger on officialdom.