This is a shocker. Tony Kelly has been sent off for Clare tonight in their league opener against Tipperary, and the decision could be described as questionable at best.
Tipperary were the better side throughout the game, and deservedly held a five point lead early in the second half. While Clare still had a chance to get back into the game despite their poor showing, that hope was all but ended after this decision.
Tipperary's Padraig Maher bent down to pick up the ball inside his own half, when Kelly appeared to run into him unintentionally. It looked like an accidental collision, but referee Colm Lyons obviously did not see it that way.
RED CARD!
A big moment early in the second half as @GaaClare Tony Kelly sees red!
Live on eir sport 1 now!#AllianzLeagues#TIPPvCLAR#MatchNightLive pic.twitter.com/9yuk4lGfdf— eir Sport (@eirSport) January 26, 2019
A shocker of a call. Not only was this the wrong decision by the referee, it essentially ruined the game as a contest. Buoyed by their one man advantage, Tipperary would run out comfortable winners on a scoreline of 2-16 to 1-11.
The online reaction will tell you everything you need to know about what hurling fans thought of Kelly's red card.
How has Tony Kelly seen red for that 😮
— Michael Grace (@topoftheleft) January 26, 2019
Disgrace of a decision never a red for Tony Kelly #AllianzLeagues #NHL #GAA
— Alan Vaughan (@stigman1) January 26, 2019
Ah jaysus..ridiculous decision to send off Tony Kelly - no intention whatsoever in the tackle to do damage, both himself and Maher turned into each other. Has made a bollix of a game which was just lighting up 🙈 #gaa #AllianzLeague #TippvClare
— John Meskell (@johmmeskell) January 26, 2019
Very harsh red card for tony Kelly. Accidental collision and minimal contact to the head. Terrible decision #AllianzLeague #TippvClare
— Nigel Dooley (@nige12387) January 26, 2019
Hurling is fucked lads if Tony Kelly gets sent off for that #TippvClare
— kieran o gorman (@cuggs) January 26, 2019
While it was certainly a heavy collision, it is difficult to see how it could have been intentional. It is important to do everything to protect our hurlers on the pitch, but a bit of common sense needs to be applied too.
It certainly seemed to be lacking here.
SEE ALSO: Davy Fitzgerald Returns To Previously Controversial Coaching Role
