Black card needed to curb ‘rugby tackling,’ warns McEnaney

Referees chief Pat McEnaney claims opponents of the black card proposal are content with the rugby-style tackles that now blemish Gaelic football.

The Monaghan native is a fervent supporter of the Football Review Committee’s (FRC) recommendation against cynicism in the game. As fears grow about the fate of the motion in Congress in Derry on Saturday, with several counties prepared to vote against it, McEnaney has criticised those who refuse to accept there are serious issues in how Gaelic football is played.

“You’ve seen the number of rugby challenges at our football matches these last six or seven weeks. If you’re looking at the number of games that were televised last week, you’re looking at four at least — two on TG4 and two on Setanta.

“It’s quite evident the number of times we see players baring down on goal and being rugby tackled. The people who are voting against the black card are happy with that scenario. That’s what they’re telling us. If that’s the case, then people need to look at themselves.”

Last Saturday in Croke Park, Tyrone’s Sean Cavanagh and Aidan Cassidy were yellow-carded for rugby-like fouls on Dublin players. On the same evening, Cork’s Eoin Cadogan was guilty of the same offence when he brought down Michael Murphy.

Proponents and supporters of the black card proposal are hoping to persuade undecided delegates with some last-ditch canvassing in Derry.

FRC chairman Eugene McGee and committee member Paul Earley will make a presentation to delegates accompanied with video clips before voting. McEnaney will also be in attendance in Derry’s The Venue on Saturday morning when the vote is set to take place and may be asked to speak in favour of some proposals.