Paul Rouse: Rulemakers need to stand their ground when backlash arrives

The same people who will be lamenting the decisions of referees who apply this new sanction of the black card are most likely be the very ones who either coached tactical fouling or lamented the naivety of the team that didn’t foul and were exposed instead to the quick transition.

There is nothing to inspire apoplexy quite like the perception of the inconsistent application of the rules: It is a small hop to accusing a referee of bias against a team. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

THERE are several fascinating aspects of the new rules for Gaelic football that will severely challenge referees.

One in particular that feels likely to be a fine source of controversy relates to a new addition to the list of offences deemed worthy of a black card.