Masterson faces suspension over referee criticisms

GAELIC GAMES:WEXFORD goalkeeper Anthony Masterson is facing suspension after sharply critical remarks about Longford referee Derek Fahy.

The GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee has decided to take action against the former All Star nominee who, during the course of an interview with RTÉ last week, said of the match official who allowed the controversial late point that enabled Limerick to beat Wexford: “It looked like it was a yard wide,” he said. “It’s just mind-baffling (sic). We’ve given up so much of our life and a decision like that cost us the game.

“Granted, we let them back in the game, that shouldn’t have happened, but when games come down to things like that, like, you give up so much time of your life and you train so much and you give up everything – your social life, you miss your family, the whole thing.

“And a decision like that, it costs you your Championship. We had a chance of a replay going into an All-Ireland quarter-final . . . It’s typical of the GAA: Wexford and Limerick stuck away into Portlaoise, given a bad referee . . .”

Masterson will have the right to opt for a hearing if he rejects the proposed suspension, which could range from eight weeks upwards, under Rule 7.2.

In the past the GAA has been reticent about pursuing players for critical comments about referees, but Masterson’s reaction, of which the above is a mild extract, was considered a bridge too far.

The GAA is also making a distinction between remarks made in post-match interviews and those that emerge on social networking sites, such as Twitter.

The former are seen as part of the match event and made by players, whereas the latter are deemed more personal and seen as the opinions of private individuals.

Meanwhile, on another controversial note, the GAA’s imminent consideration of the Hawk-Eye technology at this month’s meeting of the management committee will hear a suggestion that the technology, used in cricket and tennis, be piloted at Croke Park rather than universally installed in grounds around the country.

The score detection system would not, however, have had any bearing on the controversial ruling out of Kildare’s goal against Donegal in Saturday’s All-Ireland quarter-final as it only determines whether a ball has crossed the bar between the posts.

It would have no role in assisting match officials to make calls on issues such as the contentious square ball rule.

Meanwhile, Kerry team management will be relieved to learn that corner forward and scorer of a spectacular goal against Limerick on Sunday, Darran O’Sullivan, is expected to be fit for the All-Ireland semi-final against Mayo in three weeks.

O’Sullivan has been given the good news that a scan on his hamstring has revealed that nothing is torn, and although he will require intensive treatment, he is expected to be fit to play.