GAA fans hail referee microphone innovation as 'great addition' that will 'remove doubt'

Referee Martin McNally was 'miked up' for this evening's Interprovincial clash between Leinster and Connacht at Croke Park, and fans loved the innovation.

Fans are loving the GAA's decision to 'mic' up referee Martin McNally for this evening's Interprovincial clash between Leinster and Connacht at Croke Park.

Tonight's game features a number of innovations that have been proposed by Jim Gavin's rules committee in an attempt to improve the quality of play on the field.

But the GAA's decision to let fans at home hear the referee explain his decisions to players has been widely praised by supporters who are watching the game on television.

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Here's how social media users reacted to the referee microphone innovation.

"Really liking how the Referee Martin McNaly is mic'd up & you can hear him communicating with the players," wrote Laobhaoise.

Lee wrote: "Really enjoying the referee being mic'd up. Hearing his explanations for reasons instantly removes a lot of doubt and confusion that usually leads to frustration towards the match official."

"The mic'd up referee is a great addition. More detail for decision-making. I'm sure it will be a very popular talking point during the more heated discussions when the real football starts in January. The vanishing spray for free-kicks is completely unnecessary. A pure gimmick," posted Conor.

Ger wrote: "Fascinating watch with the referee mic’d. Think the rules are going to be a struggle early on given how manic a game can get very quick. But like the look of them."

"Also I’m really loving the ref being miced up and we can hear him during the game really hope they bring this into Inter-county. I think it will be a great advantage to the sport," posted Jack.

Too often, big matches are decided by vague refereeing decisions that fans struggle to understand. With this new feature, supporters will at least be able to understand why officials have come to certain decisions.

Additionally, it may also force players to treat referee's with more respect as their comments can be picked up by the microphone and broadcast live on television.

This isn't the first time that a GAA referee has been 'miked up' for a live game. It was trialled for a game back in 2022, but the GAA and TV organisations have opted against using the technology ever since despite it being a hit with fans.

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