Maher tells ref ‘let it off’

TIPPERARY hurler Padraic Maher believes referees should “let it off” when it comes to the All-Ireland final, believing both his side and Kilkenny benefit from being allowed to express themselves.

“I think the game is changing anyway. Teams are training to be more physical and I think referees are buying into it as well. For me it is the best way to have it because all the players are getting to express themselves with their hurling and physically as well. Both teams like that and the two finals over the last two years the referees have suited that. So let it off.

“That’s the best way to have it but we don’t mind what way it goes once we win. I suppose for the supporters it’s probably a nice spectacle.”