Barry Kelly: Society less tolerant of refereeing gaffes

All-Ireland final referee Barry Kelly believes a less tolerant society is contributing to much more intense pressure on match officials.

Kelly was heavily criticised by Kilkenny boss Brian Cody for awarding a last-minute free to Tipperary in last year’s drawn All-Ireland final.

Cody escaped a ban for calling the decision “criminal” and Kelly feels far more leeway is afforded to players than to referees.