WHISTLE BLOWER
Dec wants strong ref for Ballybofey
DECLAN BONNER has called for a strong referee to take charge of Donegal’s potentially explosive Super 8s shoot-out with Tyrone next weekend.
The counties have been involved in some fiesty and downright nasty north-west derbies at all age groups in this decade, but there has never been more at stake that in Ballybofey next Sunday with the winner progressing to the All-ireland semi-finals.
“It’s very important that it’s a strong official because there will be a lot at stake,” claimed the Donegal boss (right).
“We don’t know who it is yet, but they will need to be fairly strong.”
Michael Murphy and Ryan Mchugh are Donegal’s main threats who come in for constant off-the-ball attention, something Bonner again raised ahead of this mouth-watering Super 8s showdown.
“I think I was looking at a stat where Ryan is being fouled on average 10, 12 times in every game and there’s very few cards being shown for those fouls.
“It is continuous and if you’re the opposition, you’re going to continue to do it. It’s got to be stamped out, and stamped out early. Officials have to Dublin Tyrone Donegal Roscommon 2 2 2 2 see it. There’s linesmen, four officials and a referee so they must see what’s going on.
“He’s not big but he’s brave as they come but he needs protection.”
Bonner was the minor manager when a sledging row erupted after an Ulster Championship clash between the rivals in 2015.
And at senior level Tyrone were bullied a few times in Ballybofey, in 2013 in particular, in an era where Donegal dominated.
Tyrone tipped the scales back with wins in 2016 (Ulster final) and 2017 but Donegal’s rebuilt team looked better equipped to challenge – and Bonner says the baggage from those flash-points earlier in the decade won’t be a factor.
“In terms of where both teams are at, this is a new Tyrone team and a new Donegal team. On both sides, young fellas are stepping up to the mark.
“The older generation is gone on both sides, but it is still a huge match and there’s no getting away from the fact there is a huge rivalry there.
“We will have to bring our best performance of the season to get over the line.” 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
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