Gavin questions referee consistency

Dublin manager Jim Gavin has questioned the consistency of referee Conor Lane during Sunday's All-Ireland SFC final at Croke Park.

Defender James McCarthy was black-carded in the 23 minute of the 2-09 to 0-15 draw for an off-the-ball-collision with Mayo captain Cillian O'Connor but a number of other incidents went unchecked.

Gavin does not believe McCarthy deserved to be black-carded and believes the referee was not consistent when it came to dolling out punishment.

“If James got a black card for that particular shoulder, there was definitely other ones on the opposition side,” Gavin stated. “So I think from both camps' perspective, we just want consistency over the full expanse of the game from the refereeing perspective.

"I thought he did a good job because they were difficult conditions. That surface is one of the slippiest in the country when it gets wet. But I thought overall he managed it well.

"I suppose when you look at why the black card was brought in, it was for cynical play, for blocks, pull-downs or trips.

"I don’t think it fits into that category. But from the referee’s performance, we’re just looking for consistency. That certainly wasn’t out there today.”

Despite playing well below their best, own goals from Kevin McLoughlin and Colm Boyle ensured Dublin went in 2-04 to 0-05 ahead at the interval. That lead was wiped out at the start of the second half and Gavin admits they will have to improve if they are to lift the Sam Maguire on October 1.

"That certainly isn't good enough to win an All-Ireland title - getting that much from play and some of our shot selection could've been better, execution on a wet day you might put in as a factor but I wouldn't lean on it too heavy,” he said.

“So to come away, to be still in the competition, hitting six from play you're happy, getting the luck, we had the luck and hopefully we'll have it again in two weeks' time.”

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