'That was not refereed fairly'

Davy Fitzgerald was critical of referee Colm Lyons' performance after Antrim’s Leinster SHC opening round loss to Wexford at Chadwicks Wexford Park.

In a game which saw Wexford’s Jack O’Connor dismissed on a straight red card after 22 minutes and Antrim’s Conor Boyd also sent off on two yellows in the second half, Fitzgerald claimed the visitors had to work a lot harder for their frees.

"We hurled really well for 20 minutes in the first half and the first 15 of the second half, but 100% cent it was not refereed fairly," the unimpressed Antrim boss told reporters.

"We may not have won that game, but the scoreable frees he gave them, I'd say 'okay', but were we afforded the same thing when pulled or dragged? No. That was not refereed fairly.

"I'm not saying the frees weren't frees, but it has to be the same for both sides. He brought them back into the game – 100% - and then in the second half we get back to two points. Watch what happens when we get it back to two points - same thing again.

"I don't begrudge Wexford their victory - fair play to them - but Colm Lyons is meant to be down the line and fair. I'm not having that. You have to give the same frees on both sides. I know what I saw and I know it wasn't right. This is the most irritated I've been after a game."