Oisín McConville has claimed the GAA is paying lip service to teams outside the top two divisions in the Allianz Football League with regard to the new playing rules.

McConville lamented the fact that the top referees are rarely appointed to take charge of Division 4 games after a number of contentious decisions – including a disallowed equalising injury-time goal by Dean Healy – went against his Wicklow team in their 2-9 to 1-15 loss to neighbours Carlow last weekend.

"I would just love to see us have the same conditions as Division 1 and 2," the Armagh great said on the BBC's GAA Social Podcast.

"I mean, when these rules came on, one of the big selling points was that it would pass down, even to club football. That hasn't been the case.

"Some week, I would just love to have some of the top referees, top refereeing team, come down and referee in Division 4. My point was, 'is Division 4 not as important as Division 1?' It's obvious it's not.

"Not for me, it's not. I see what goes into it for players, and I do think that they deserve better to be honest.

He added: "I know the GAA don’t put much stock in Division 4 and what goes on in Division 4, but we would like a fair crack at the new rules, same as everyone else. I know we don’t have the hooter, that’s the first thing, but we need the top refs reffing if at all possible...

"There were rules there tonight that I didn’t even know existed and cost us dearly."

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