Duffy aims to halt flow of critical tweets

GAA players who are heavily critical of referees and administrators via the Twitter social networking website could soon be called to account for their tweets.

That’s the distinct possibility following comments by GAA director general Paraic Duffy that “it’s not acceptable for players to have a rant” when they feel like it.

Wexford’s footballers have been particularly vocal in their criticism of, firstly, referee Derek Fahy for his handling of their controversial defeat to Limerick and, subsequently, of the GAA’s decision to pursue goalkeeper Anthony Masterson over his outspoken comments about Fahy which were made in a post-match interview.

“I don’t think it’s acceptable for players to be criticising officials or administrators or so on, it’s not acceptable for players to have a rant at officials either — it’s all part of respect,” said Duffy, who revealed discussions are taking place with the Gaelic Players’ Association on the issue.

“We need to find some kind of policy that people know. In the heat of the moment people will say things they regret, that’s going to happen. But three or four days after the game when this kind of personal criticism is carrying on, that can’t be acceptable and our members have to be held to account.”

Duffy was speaking at the announcement of GAA plans to roll out match day entertainment initiatives at Croke Park following the success of last weekend.

More than 3,500 school children had their pictures taken with the Sam Maguire cup while musical acts and match analysis filled the on-field void during breaks in games and will be replicated this weekend.