Mahers challenge on Rice that day was one of the worst I have ever seen. Swung a foot away from the ball with pure intent on inflicting pain/damage AFAIC
The result of the challenge was bad but I don't know if the tackle/pull was all that bad,did Mahers hurl not travel up Rices rather than a pull across the hand,it was a complete accident I'd say.
What about the apology though,is it expected nowadays,the KK lads have done a fair bit of rough tough and dangerous tackling to opponents over the past number of years,maybe they have apologized privately but I doubt it.
Did anyone see Brian Hogans pull on Iarla Tannian in the first two minutes of the AI final,it fairly downed him but no lasting damage but I suppose that is the difference really,you are in the clear if there is no long term damage.