Former Waterford captain Ken McGrath believes that the criticism of Austin Gleeson on social media was over the top after the Mount Sion star received a straight red card against Roanmore earlier this month.
There were just over 80 seconds elapsed in Mount Sion and Roanmore's Waterford Senior Hurling Championship clash at Walsh Park when referee Thomas Walsh sent off Gleeson.
Moments earlier, Mount Sion's star player had floored Roanmore half-forward Brian Nolan with a heavy hit.
After consulting with linesman Eddie Fitzgerald, the referee showed Gleeson a straight red card.
It was a moment which seemed to divide opinion in Waterford on whether or not Gleeson deserved the punishment.
Roanmore went on to win the game 2-21 to 0-17 in what was both teams' final game of the group stage of the Waterford SHC.
Gleeson subsequently had his suspension lifted and started in the quarter-final win over De La Salle. Gleeson was sent off for the second week in a row when Mount Sion beat De La Salle 3-18 to 2-17.
However, speaking to WLR’s Lár Na Páirce show, McGrath felt that it was a fair challenge.
“I have seen a good few comments about it, especially on social media. Some of the stuff was over the top. There’s fellas who are experts on everything, soccer, rugby, Covid. If you felt that challenge against Roanmore was disgraceful or some fella said it was ‘filthy’, I don’t think you know the game of hurling if you call that challenge filthy or disgraceful. To me, he caught him perfectly and that’s why it was rescinded.
"It’s not Austin’s fault that he’s in such shape and got his strength and conditioning up to such a level. I think it was a perfectly-timed challenge. If Pádraic Maher or Jackie Tyrell did that, they’d be lauded. I wouldn’t take that away from Austin. I think we need that going forward for the county team. He has added this strength and power to his game and I don’t think see much wrong with it to be honest.”
Mount Sion, who are chasing their first Waterford SHC title since 2006, face Passage in their semi-final at Walsh Park tomorrow.
