Brendan Bugler 'surprised' at James Owens appointment for Tipp-Clare

4 July 2021; Cathal Malone, Conor Cleary and John Conlon of Clare look on as referee James Owens awards a penalty to Tipperary during the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Semi-Final match between Tipperary and Clare at LIT Gaelic Grounds in Limerick. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Brendan Bugler is astonished referee James Owens has been appointed to take charge of Sunday’s Munster SHC Round 2 clash between Tipperary and Clare in Thurles.

Early in the second half of last July’s provincial semi-final between the sides in Limerick, Owens controversially sent Aidan McCarthy to the sin bin for a foul on Jake Morris inside the 20-metre line and about 5m from the Mackey Stand sideline.