Niall Moran: Linsemen should have added presence on field of play in hurling

Hurling fans will tell you that the ancient game is the 'best sport in the world'.

One can argue long into the night as to whether that is true. What's a bit more clearcut is that hurling is certainly one of the fastest sports on the globe.

Its playing area covers a maximum length of 145 metres. The length of the pitch at Croke Park matches that figure. There's a lot then for a referee to keep an eye on, more so than was the case a decade ago.

It's a different game now. The sliotar travels a lot further and the scoring rate has increased appreciably.

In the midst of all this frenzy, the official in the middle often has to make split decisions. As is the way, his calls are not always met with approval.

Clare hurling manager Brian Lohan questioned some of Colm Lyons' decisions during Sunday's All-Ireland SHC clash with Kilkenny, a game where the Banner were edged out by three points.

Undoubtedly Lyons' most contentious call came when he disallowed a Mark Rodgers goal in the second half in order to bring the play back to allow an 'advantage' to Clare for a foul around midfield.

Speaking to reporters after the game, the Clare boss said: "Yeah, sure look, he had blown the whistle. But didn’t seem to get a huge amount from the referee today. Found it hard to get frees."

Crucially, he added: "There’s a rule there that I can’t be critical of referees."

In recent seasons, talk about having two referees on the field so as to lighten the load on one individual, has been discussed.

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