The Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) have defended the refereeing decisions in Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final between Mayo and Galway, after claims by Mayo manager Peter Leahy that the referee was directed by television assistants.
Controversy was sparked late in the game when it appeared that Mayo's Rachel Kearns was fouled in an attacking position which could have provided Mayo with an opportunity to level the game. However, when the referee's whistle blew it was for a free out for a double hop by Kearns prior to the apparent foul.
Mayo went on to lose the game by a score of 2-09 to 2-10.
Speaking to Off The Ball after the match, a visibly frustrated Leahy claimed that the referee had called for a free in but was instructed through an earpiece that it was, in fact, a free out.
"It was done from upstairs in the television booth. They were told through their ear that it was two hops. I didn't realise the LGFA had gone to VAR. It's annoying, they'll deny that but that is what happened."
"The umpire didn't give it. It came from upstairs from the television," Leahy added.
"All I know is our girls are devastated in there and they should be playing another ten minutes a side"@Mayo_LGFA manager Peter Leahy was unhappy with a late decision in the All-Ireland semi-final. The LGFA have said the referee made the correct decision on the pitch. pic.twitter.com/gjsHzN0RW2
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) August 25, 2019
"All I know is our girls are devastated in there and they should be playing another ten minutes aside and see how things go."
Speaking to Off The Ball after Leahy's comments, an LGFA spokesperson said that the referee did not consult with anyone but the umpire on the pitch. The LGFA does have a video assistant during live television matches but the rules state they may only instruct the referee on scores.
"The referee made the correct call. There was nothing from upstairs. The referee made the decision with the umpire on the pitch and it was the correct call," the spokesperson said.
Leahy said that he knew his comments after the match would get him in trouble with the LGFA but that "he was there fighting for my girls".
