Louth boss Brennan hopes referee Cassidy isn't 'influenced by the Donegal sideline'

Louth boss Ger Brennan is hoping referee Barry Cassidy won't be 'influenced by the Donegal sideline' when the teams meet in Ballybofey this evening (throw-in 4pm).

The former Dublin footballer felt his side were harshly treated in Ballyshannon last year when Donegal and Louth met in Division 2, with Paddy Nelian in charge as Donegal won by 1-17 to 0-15.

And speaking to LMFM, Brennan felt it's not the first time it has happened his side, citing a championship game with Kerry as another example.

“On reflection of the Ballyshannon game last year, there was only one point in it with ten minutes to go and I certainly would try not to winge about referees' decisions because players have to be held accountable for their mistakes first and foremost.

“But there were certainly a lot of hometown decisions awarded in that league game in Ballyshannon last year and looking towards the game this weekend in Ballybofey.

"I’d be confident that someone of Barry Cassidy’s experience won’t be overawed by the Ballybofey crowd and he will give Louth a fair crack of the whip.

“I think I have a bit of credit built up in the bank by not giving out about referees but when Louth played Kerry last year in the group stage of the All-Ireland, we were competitive and pushing hard.

“But all of a sudden, some big game decisions are going against you or the opposition are getting away with rougher challenges which Louth players are getting punished for.

“I saw that on two occasions in my time with Louth so far, last year in the group stages against Kerry and then certainly in the second half in Ballyshannon.

"But again I’m happy to see that we have someone of Barry Cassidy’s experience that he’s not going to be influenced by the Donegal sideline and supporters and he’s going to give the Louth and Donegal players a crack at the whip.”