Lennon reveals foul distinction concerns

Down’s three-time All-Ireland winner Joe Lennon says the GAA will open itself to a world of difficulties if it votes to differentiate between accidental and deliberate fouls in Gaelic football at Congress tomorrow.

Lennon, one of the game’s leading thinkers, warns such a move would put immense pressure on referees and the GAA’s disciplinary system. Distinguishing between the two fouls is the major tenet of the Football Review Committee’s black card proposal.

Having read their report, Lennon pointed out: “While stating that the task of the referees is extremely difficult and in some cases impossible, it seems that requiring them to distinguish between accidental and deliberate fouls, apply different sanctions for these, and communicate his decision to the spectators as well as players would be a very onerous extra responsibility.