Why is game in danger? Simple, it’s the free count
DAVY CALLS FOR CROKE PARK RETHINK
WEXFORD boss Davy Fitzgerald reckons hurling is close to ‘crisis’ point due to fussy refereeing.
A whopping 50 frees were awarded by Johnny Murphy in Wexford’s win over Dublin last weekend, while 42 were called in Limerick’s clash with Cork.
It contrasted with last year’s Leinster championship game between Wexford and Dublin, a game in which Fitzgerald estimated the free count was ‘barely into double figures’.
The Clare legend notes pointedly that the ref that day, Fergal Horgan, didn’t get another Championship game.
Asked if he feels Croke Park chiefs are behind a clampdown, Fitzgerald smiled for several seconds before declining to answer.
Speaking generally about hurling, Fitzgerald said: “The game has been incredible, it’s given us the Munster Championship of two years ago and the Leinster Championship last year. They were phenomenal, so why are we now in crisis? Why is the game in danger? Sure there is only one denominator – the free count. When our game is let flow, it’s a great game.”
Fitzgerald reckoned it must have been a ‘100 per cent’ turn off for fans and neutrals looking on with 16 cards dished out in the tie, 13 yellows and three reds.
He doesn’t wish to slate Murphy but concluded ‘that was not the way to referee the game the other night’ and believes GAA chiefs should allow refs more discretion to let the game flow.
He said: “Did Fergal make any blatantly bad calls? I don’t think so. Is that not kind of what we’re about? You’re not looking for the referee to be allowed go AWOL and do what he wants but if there’s balance on both sides and he’s not favouring a side and he’s letting both things go in the same way, I’m good with that.”
Speaking at the launch of the Chadwicks Wexford Park naming rights deal (inset), Fitzgerald also revealed he was ‘100 per cent gone’ as Model manager after last year’s Championship due to personal reasons, before performing a dramatic 11th hour U-turn.
He said: “A text and a call that I got just put something in my head and I remember going home to Sharon on the Wednesday night and I was pretty emotional and I said, ‘I just can’t go, I just can’t go’.
“It was very emotional I tell you, because they have been very good with me. I think you see I’ve clicked with this crowd here 100 per cent. I hope it lasts. I don’t know if things like that ever last but it feels pretty good.”