DJ slams Collins dismissal
July 07, 2014
A dejected Podge Collins of Clare sits in the dugout after he was sent off in the first half against Wexford. INPHO
DJ Carey has labelled Podge Collins' sending off against Wexford as 'ridiculous'.
The Clare All Star hurler was issued with a straight red card by referee Cathal McAllister just before half-time in Saturday's dramatic draw at Cusack Park for grabbing opponent David Redmond's faceguard. This is the first championship that interference with an opponent's faceguard or any other part of the helmet is a sending off offence, with the rule having been amended at Congress last February.
But writing in the Irish Daily Mirror today, Kilkenny legend Carey voices his opposition to the rule.
"How can such a small thing be deemed a dangerous act?" he asks.
"There was nothing to it and I hope the powers-that-be rescind the red card decision.
"Obviously, I agree that the helmet should be worn at all times. Hands were put around the headguard and that shouldn't happen.
"But you have to look at the context of how it happened and what developed out of it and there was no malice in it, there was no big row or anything like that and the helmet does come off very easily."
While the red card will rule Collins out of next Saturday's replay, the dual star will be eligible to line out for the Clare footballers in their All-Ireland 2B qualifier clash with Carlow on Sunday.
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