Medical chief defends faceguard sanction after Collins red

The chairman of the GAA’s medical, scientific and welfare committee has launched a stout defence of the rule which saw Clare hurler Podge Collins red carded during Saturday’s All-Ireland qualifier clash against Wexford at Cusack Park.

Collins tugged at Wexford midfielder David Redmond’s faceguard and was red-carded by referee Cathal McAllister. Ger Ryan, chairman of the medical, scientific and welfare committee which recommended the rule be tabled at Congress, said it is a necessity to prevent serious injury.

Medical advice furnished to the committee, revealed Ryan, showed interference with a players helmet can lend itself to contrecoup.