O’Connell loss would compound Reds misery

Munster 16 Leinster 22

Skipper Paul O’Connell’s participation in the Heineken Cup semi-final against Clermont may hang in the balance if he is cited by commissioner Eddie Walsh after his boot came into contact with both the ball and head of Dave Kearney midway through the second half of Saturday’s fiercely contested RaboDirect Pro12 game in Limerick.

To suggest O’Connell should have been sent off for the incident is nonsense given that there was clearly no intent to injure the Leinster wing and that contact was made with the ball. It is a matter of opinion, however, as to whether he was guilty of careless or reckless play.