Jim Gavin is calling for greater protection for flair players.

The Dublin manager was incensed after the CCCC failed to take action against Cork's Jamie O'Sullivan for elbowing Diarmuid Connolly during last month's Allianz League final, despite having clear video evidence of the incident.

"I wouldn't like to think there is a precedent set by Tony O'Keeffe, the chairman of the CCC, in that it is acceptable that skilful players on our team and other teams can be physically targeted and it is going to be accepted," Gavin is quoted in the Irish Times.

"That just needs to be completely eradicated through the use of black cards or other colours. I don't know the evidence that was presented to them. I do know it might not have been in the referee's report if it's off the ball as it's very hard for all the officials to see it in a very dynamic game.

"But we are seeing players being targeted. I just hope it's not a precedent we're seeing that the CCCC will let this go without some form of action."

Gavin also believes managers have a role to play in eradicating sledging from Gaelic football.

"It's completely unacceptable. It's a form of cheating. I'd go so strong to say if there is a culture in a team a manager has control of, then a manager needs to be held accountable for that. . .

"Certainly in the Dublin set-up if I see a player being aggressive towards a referee I'd expect to see him walk towards the line. I wouldn't tolerate it. We are encouraging our younger generation to give respect."

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