Limerick boss Kiely calls for GAA action after fracas

John Kiely has described a second-half melee involving Limerick and Waterford that saw red and yellow cards issued as "disappointing" and has called on the association to take "appropriate" action.

The All-Ireland champions opened the defence of their provincial title with a below-par, two-point win over the Deise at Semple Stadium having played most of the second half with 14 players following the dismissal of Gearoid Hegarty for a second yellow card.

The 2020 Hurler of the Year was given his marching orders in the 48th minute by referee Liam Gordon in a game that had been bubbling beneath the surface.

Five players – three from Limerick, including Hegarty – were booked in a tense five-minute period prior to the interval, while Seamus Flanagan was fortunate to escape any sanction following a high challenge.

The tipping point came when Hegarty barged Conor Gleeson with a late shoulder, and in a coming together that involved both players and backroom officials, the towering forward appeared to be struck in the chest by a member of the backroom team.

The Galway match official dismissed Hegarty and the Waterford mentor, while Waterford's Calum Lyons was also booked when things calmed down.

Limerick down to 14 men after a second yellow card for Gearóid Hegarty. A fair few being handed out now, including to backroom staff