My point wasnt a refs screw Dublin point. It was that Connolly incident highlights all that is wrong with officiating in the GAA.
I think dragging someone down on your 45 could also warrent an automatic card or sinbin. I think diving, like Ben Brosnan does everytime he comes into contact should see a a card
And hurling......they throw more punches......more violent play etc....yet they always stay on the pitch!
I think the fouling, violent play and incidents of dangerous play is far higher in hurling. And I know they have sticks in their hands....but its accepted as part of the game.
For me the Connolly incident was a red card....the way they are being implemented at the moment. But I GUARANTEE in the next two weeks you will see a worse incident involving a punch that will go unpunished. Thats the problem, you cant trust the refereeing!!! Plus trial by Sunday Game doesnt work, because you get a biased view by a couple of idiots. Now, my Dublin hat will come on, like McStay will say in his column or on the Sunday Game....definate red card. Yet will do commentary on the Connaught Final the weekend and something the exact same will happen...and he will just say "there was very little in that Marty". Its so annoying.
Now back to fouling....NO advantage rule in GAA. But we dont want stoppages every two seconds. Watched Dublin v Kildare Minors last night in Newbridge. Dublin halfback running through the centre of the pitch, Kildare player with a high tackle (a punch in the face). To the Dublin halfbacks credit....he kept running, but his attempt to bounce the ball was disturbed (an extra couple of steps occured).....REF POINTED TO PLAY ON. End result is he dished the ball off to an attacker and slotted over the bar. Kildare fans screaming that it was a disgrace....OVERCARRYING.
Now lets go back to the rules.....the REF should have stopped play. Should have sent off the player. Instead, played on, Dublin players overcarrying because he got punched in the face ignored...... Dublin get a point...... Dublin player didnt make a meal of it......Kildare lad stays on the pitch. So, we either punish every decision, or dont. And the GAA should bring a definate ADVANTAGE RULE in. The most annoying thing is the inconsistent way it is implemented in games. Its now and then....not all the time.
Professional foul by Cadogin the weekend was not punished heavily enough. Ben Brosnan and the likes diving.....not punished heavily enough. Like if a fella dives ten times....and gets ten frees....he could win the game for his team. Sending offs for striking should be dealth with on the severity of the strike. If a player is sent off for handbag kinda tipping (like Connolly actually). After the game there should be a rescinding of the red to yellow. Or if the ref didnt see it properly...upgrade to red.