Officials face tougher job as players bulking up, says retired ref Murphy

Retired inter-county referee Dickie Murphy claims the increased physicality of hurlers has made officiating more difficult for referees.

As a result of the bigger players in the game, the Wexford whistler recognises hurling referees are now being scrutinised more.

Dublin manager Anthony Daly criticised Barry Kelly’s officiating of last Sunday’s Division 1A relegation play-off against Galway. However, he articulated a serious issue with officiating when he said: “It’s as if you’re seen as ruining it if you give frees.”