Linden’s radical proposal to stamp out persistent fouling

DOWN legend Mickey Linden has proposed a radical rule change to stamp out cynical and persistent fouling on forwards.

A rules revision task force including intercounty stars like Paul Durcan and Dessie Farrell are considering a number of options including the adoption of the “mark” system similar to that in the AFL

Linden, who guided Down champions Mayobridge to the Ulster club final as player-manager, has offered his own novel proposal. The two-times All-Ireland winner and former Footballer of the Year believes that two points instead of one should be awarded for the conversion of a free-kick. He says that would reduce the amount of pulling and dragging by defenders and lend a more free-flowing aspect to the game.