We all need a cool eye..but for refs it is crucial

I'LL be accused of viewing through green and red spectacles but whatever bias I may have, it's not clouding my vision here.

Generally speaking, referees can exert a huge influence on games. Some will allow a lot of physical contact which inevitably leads to tackles and turnovers; others will pull for the slightest infringement which gives rise to a start-stop, fractured game.

Most referees highlight specific rules they will enforce to the captains before throw-in.

David Gough, for example, is well known for clamping down on off-the-ball stuff and you often see him pulling for frees 30 or 40 metres from where the ball is being played.

One aspect I feel referees can be guilty of is enforcing different rules depending on the circumstances of the game, which takes me to Armagh's grandstand finish against Mayo last weekend.