Put it up? Ciaran Whelan calls for video technology while McCrabbe looks to umpires

The debate about Hawkeye, video technology and family members on the posts rumbles as on as two Dublin heroes weigh in.

FORMER DUBLIN FOOTBALL skipper Ciaran Whelan has called on the GAA to introduce video referees.

“[Not using technology] is costing teams Championships and the GAA has to put it right”, the former Hill 16 favorite said.

He made his comments in the wake of Graham Geraghty’s disallowed goal for Meath in Sunday’s Leinster Championship quarter final against Kildare. The decision helped Kildare win the game to set up a semi final clash with Dublin on June 26 at Croke Park.

Meanwhile Whelan, an All-Star in 1999, has said it’s also time for the GAA to create a two-tier championship.

“The provincial championships are dead on their feet”, the retired midfielder said. He has suggested the so-called Champions League format for the All-Ireland SFC campaign, with the national league moving to a provincial system.

Current hurling star Alan McCrabbe though insits the unpires have to get it right. The Dublin man opened his county’s account in this year’s championship with a ‘point’ that replays showed was actually wide.

Speaking to reporters yesterday at the launch of the Dublin GAA partnership with Under Armour, he insisted the onus is on the officials.

“It was a bad decision at the end of the day,” said McCrabbe.

“To be honest, during the match I honestly thought it went wide. I turned my back and was giving out to myself. I looked around and your fella (the umpire) was waving the white flag so I wasn’t going to say anything. I’ll take it as they come.”