Down manager James McCartan was accused of trying to distract Derry's Paddy Bradley just as he was about to take a free during yesterday's McKenna Cup semi-final at the Morgan Athletic Grounds.

McCartan's Derry counterpart John Brennan complained afterwards: "James shouted at Paddy Bradley taking a free - Paddy said he put him off.

"I didn't walk to the opposite corner flag and I don't expect other managers to do that. I just said to James: 'I don't expect that of you'.

"I think it's wrong. I don't think managers should interfere with a player when he's taking a free. But it was hart of the moment."

When asked to reply to Brennan's comments, McCartan shrugged it off by saying: "Ach, it was just John's personality behind it. Look, I'd be well aware of John after having a year in Ballinderry. He has his own personal traits that he exercises along the line.

"Maybe it's a bit of showmanship too when there's an audience there!" Tweet

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