Brennan calls on GAA to employ video technology

Image source, InphoImage caption,

Brennan felt three key decisions went against his team in their defeat against Kerry

ByDavid MohanBBC Sport NI journalist at Croke Park

Published34 minutes ago

Dublin manager Ger Brennan has called for the GAA to introduce video technology to assist officials make key decisions following his team's All-Ireland SFC semi-final defeat by Kerry.

Brennan felt three big decisions went against his side including Kerry's early penalty, the Kingdom's second goal that could have been called back for a 'square ball' and Ross McGarry's fisted effort that may have gone fully over the line before Kerry cleared.

While also acknowledging his team's poor return in front of the posts was also a contributing factor in their four-point loss, Brennan feels it's time for the GAA to bring in a VAR/TMO system for key moments.

"I feel strongly both sets of players today, all inter-county players and in hurling as well, video assistant technology has to come into play for key decision," Brennan said.

"There were three key decisions that didn't go our way today and if the officials had an opportunity to have a quick look, take 30 seconds out and stop the clock, those decisions would have went in a different direction.

"Congratulations to Kerry. They were a bit more accurate. We had 10 more shots but just didn't go over or in.

"Kerry took their opportunities and we finished around 55% shot [accuracy] rate and they were in the high 60s, so we had enough opportunities despite the decisions that didn't go our way."

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Figure caption,

BBC Sport pundits dissect controversial All-Ireland semi-final calls

On the three big calls, the Dublin manager felt that while some may debate the merits of whether Kerry should have been awarded an early penalty, the others were more clear-cut.

Insisting "luck shouldn't come into it" in terms or decisions going either way, Brennan reiterated his stance that video technology must be introduced.

"Alex Gavin was putting a bit of heat on Joe O'Connor and it forced Joe to turn into Peadar who had his hands by his side," Brennan opined.

"Peadar takes the contact on the chest and it's a penalty - a poor decision.

"Then you have a look at the second goal, a square ball - not my opinion, just a fact.

"Then having had the chance to look at the footage, it was a goal for us as well and referees need assistance because there is so much happening."