Down manager accused of distracting Bradley during McKenna Cup semi-final
Down manager James McCartan was accused of trying to distract Derry’s Paddy Bradley just as he was about to take a free during the McKenna Cup semi-final at the Morgan Athletic Grounds.
McCartan’s Derry counterpart John Brennan complained afterwards, “James shouted at Paddy Bradley taking a free – Paddy said he put him off. I didn’t walk to the opposite corner flag and I don’t expect other managers to do that. I just said to James: ‘I don’t expect that of you’.”
He continued, “I think it’s wrong. I don’t think managers should interfere with a player when he’s taking a free.”
When asked to reply to Brennan’s comments, McCartan shrugged it off by saying, “Ach, it was just John’s personality behind it. Look, I’d be well aware of John after having a year in Ballinderry. He has his own personal traits that he exercises along the line. Maybe it’s a bit of showmanship too when there’s an audience there.”
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