Players now quizzing refs more, says Barrett

National Referees Committee (NRC) member Willie Barrett admits players questioning referees’ decisions in hurling has become more prevalent.

Ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland SHC final replay, Galway manager Anthony Cunningham said that “any player worth his salt — and we (management) would want them as well — would challenge a referee over a free”.

Cunningham was responding to comments made by Joe Canning about Henry Shefflin running from distance to remonstrate with Barry Kelly in the first game, which the Galway player referred to as “not sportsmanlike”.

Munster referees chief Barrett said such challenges to a referee’s authority is by no means a new phenomenon but agreed more players are doing it nowadays.

“Certainly, referees can expect a certain amount of questioning from players but I would also say it’s always been there. It’s not like it has come into the game over the last two or three years. However, it is probably more prevalent now.

“But I’d expect referees to strongly defend their actions.”

Barrett was delighted with the performance of Kelly in the first game and he is anticipating Kelly’s fellow Westmeath man James McGrath will perform as admirably in Sunday’s replay.

Although there is an onus on referees to let the game flow and use common sense, he is expecting McGrath will abide by the rule book as much as Kelly.

“I would be of the view that the game should be refereed in accordance with the rules. They cannot be ignored. You can still have an outstanding game of hurling with the rules being applied, as was proven in the first All-Ireland final over two weeks ago.

“I see no reason why we should be deviating from that.”

Barrett has no concerns that McGrath is under any pressure from outside influences.

“The mere fact that James McGrath has been appointed shows the vote of confidence in the man and I’d be very happy that he will do a good job.

“I don’t have any concerns (about pressure on him).”

Meanwhile, Galway boss Cunningham should have all his players available for selection for the replay. Both teams are expected to be named on Friday evening.