McGee defends the ‘black card’

A stout defence of the controversial ‘black card’ recommended by the Football Development Committee was made by chairman Eugene McGee at last evening’s Munster Convention.

Aimed specifically at reducing deliberate and cynical fouling, he said it was also designed to increase respect towards referees and players.

“There is a problem with the growth of cynical fouling (in football),” he commented. “Lying down to stop play is an art form, along with players feigning injury. And there is cynical use of yellow card.

“It may be hard to believe, but players are being sent out to ‘take care’ of an opponent illegally, take a yellow card and move on. That exists — that is why we are bringing in the black cards. We have cards, but we need cards that work.

“It’s a shocking reflection that this should happen at inter-county level. It’s anti everything the GAA stands for — cowardly, mean and cheap. We saw at the weekend players congregating around a referee in a very hostile manner. That has to stop.’’

McGee’s brief was part of an overall presentation by other members of the committee and he stressed that they were not there ‘to canvass.’

Cork PRO Tracey Kennedy remarked that some of the proposals were ‘very radical,’ while Tipperary chairman Sean Nugent said it was disappointing the committee ‘opted out’ of making any recommendation on the abuse of the hand-pass.

Meanwhile, the new chairman of the council, Robert Frost revealed he intends to establish a high-powered committee to aid county boards in assisting club units, both rural and urban. Pointing out that 2012 figures show gate receipts down by approximately €500,000, he said they need more quality games and in particular, ‘quality finals’ if they are to stimulate growth in attendances.

Elsewhere, Cork’s Jerry O’Sullivan takes over as vice-chairman. A Limerick motion to have the Munster senior hurling championship trophy named after Mick Mackey will be debated at the first meeting of the new Council while Kerry’s Teddy O'Sullivan was named as the Council’s new President.

OFFICERS: Chairman: Robert Frost (Clare); Vice-Chairman: Jerry O’Sullivan (Cork); Secretary/CEO (Acting): Simon Moroney (Clare); Treasurer: Michael Fitzgerald (Limerick); PRO: Ed Donnelly (Tipperary).