McEnaney: Refs must talk more

Referees chief Pat McEnaney has told his match officials to talk with players more in an attempt to become less dictatorial.

The Monaghan native said he has encouraged referees to explain to players why they are awarding frees or issuing yellow and red cards.

“Respect and communication is what it’s about,” said the National Referees Association chairman. “If a player wants to know what the foul’s for he’s quite entitled to be told. That is part of his (the referee’s) job.