Highly controversial Offaly red card prompts RTÉ panel to call for VAR in hurling

An outcry over the the red card shown to Offaly's James Mahon during last Saturday's Allianz Hurling League clash against Waterford has prompted an RTÉ studio panel to call for the introduction of video refereeing assistance in the game.

Referee Johnny Murphy dismissed Mahon in the 23rd minute for a shoulder challenge that, in the eyes of most observers, did not warrant a red card. Indeed, many took to social media on Saturday to argue that Mahon's infraction scarcely warranted a yellow.

Speaking on RTÉ's Allianz League highlights show last night (Sunday), Kilkenny great Jackie Tyrrell said there was "a huge question" over a couple of decisions in the Offaly game on Saturday, which Waterford ended up winning by 0-22 to 1-11.

He said the "most high profile" of these was the Mahon dismissal.

"This, for me, is just not a red card," said Tyrrell as a replay of the incident was shown.

He said it had been a shoulder by Mahon "into the side of, into the chest, nowhere near the head" and that it ought to have been, "a yellow card" rather than a red.

"These are big, big decisions. In the final 10-15 minutes Offaly ran out of steam. This (red card came) after 20 minutes," he said, pointing out that Mahon "could potentially miss a league final" as a result.

Tyrrell concluded that, in his view, video assistance for referees "has to be looked at... I know it will slow down the game, but I'd rather be here saying they got those 2-3 decisions right.

"(Referees) need more help... it's hard in real time to make those calls."

His fellow panellist, Ursula Jacob, agreed, saying inconsistency in refereeing decisions was frustrating players, managers and spectators.

"I do believe referees need more support. I fully agree with Jackie - video technology is going to have to come into play," she said.