Byrnes' red card was for tackle rather than afters, says Kiely

March 04, 2025

Limerick's Diarmaid Byrnes is shown a red card by referee Thomas Walsh ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Limerick manager John Kiely believes Diarmaid Byrnes was sent off against Clare on Sunday for his tackle on Tony Kelly rather than the afters that occurred.

Byrnes was shown a straight red card by referee Thomas Walsh in the 63rd minute following his challenge on Kelly which led to tensions spilling over (watch below):

Speaking to media after the his team's three-point defeat, Kiely said that the wing back received his marching orders from the Waterford official for the tackle rather than what happened afterwards.

"I wouldn't call it an altercation," said the Treaty boss. "Diarmaid led with the leg to get in over the ball. Every player that goes into a ruck tries to get their leg in across the ball to get over the ball, that's what they're coached to do."

He added: "He got it completely wrong in his timing and made contact with one of the opposition players. He's never been sent off in his career before so I think we'll give him the benefit of the doubt on this one. It was what it was, the reaction was a bit over the top.

"Yeah. He led with his leg and he just made contact with the player. It happens 100 times in every game. He was just unlucky, and made contact, there was no intent on his part whatsoever."


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