There was a huge Munster Senior Hurling Championship round robin clash at Walsh Park in Waterford this evening as Tipp made the journey to Waterford.
With Limerick and Clare looking like All-Ireland contenders, the winner of this evening's game will be in a strong position in the race to finish reach the knockout phase of the All-Ireland hurling championship.
There was a big atmosphere at a sun-kissed Walsh Park but the game's first score did not come until the fourth minute of the game.
Waterford full forward Mikey Kiely won a ball near the Tipp goal and won a penalty after being tackled amidst a scrum of Tipp defenders.
As Stephen Bennett began to lift the puck and take his penalty, Owens sprinted across the goal mouth. Bennett buried the penalty in the bottom left corner, but you'd have to imagine the moving ref was some sort of a distraction for Tipp goalie Barry Hogan.
GOAL! Stephen Bennett from the spot for @WaterfordGAA pic.twitter.com/XYlOLHsAWX
— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 4, 2024
Hogan gestured in the direction of Owens immediately after the goal was scored, which is quite telling.
The view from behind the goal is equally strange.
Watch the birdie!#waterford #tipperary #gaa #hurling #munster #championship pic.twitter.com/GDupuZDy4q
— Seán Moran (@MoranSeanA) May 4, 2024
Tipp fans unhappy with ref James Owens in Waterford match
The decision caused a stir on social media.
James Owens ran across in front of Barry hogan as Bennett takes the Waterford penalty
Like what the actual f*#k— Eddie Brennan (@NedzerB13) May 4, 2024
Tipp supporters also thought Mark Kehoe should have been awarded a penalty after being pulled back by a Waterford defender. They were also displeased that Jack Prendergast's first half goal for Waterford was allowed to stand when Kevin Mahony was booked for a third man challenge in the build-up.
Waterford went into the break leading 2-8 to 0-12, and in the moments after the halftime whistle, Tipp manager Liam Cahill stopped to have a few words with Owens.
Cahill made three changes to the starting fifteen named to play Waterford during the week: Cathal Barrett, Noel McGrath and Darragh Stakelum came in for Johnny Ryan, Willie Connors and Sean Hayes.
Despite trailing by four points heading into second half injury time, Tipp battled back for a vital point and secured a draw.
SEE ALSO: Liam Cahill Takes Unprompted Swipe At Ex-Waterford Manager Ahead Of Big Munster Clash
