Bannon warns black card judgements may cause confusion

Former inter-county football referee John Bannon has warned there will be confusion in administering the black card relating to diving and body checks.

The Longford man was at the county’s recent briefing on the new rules, which was chaired by top referee David Coldrick and fellow Meath man Donal Smith.

He agrees with referees chief Pat McEnaney that the conditions created from January 1 could see a rise in players simulating fouls as a means of getting an opponent black-carded.

He is also concerned referees may find it difficult to distinguish what body checks are worthy of black cards and those that are mere notable infringements.

“It’s going to come down to individual situations and referees making judgements on the spot as to what it deliberate and accidental.

“Simulation, as Pat McEnaney calls it, or diving or pulling the hand in will cause technical issues. If the player falls to the ground it can be a black card but if he stays on his feet there is none.

“The deliberate stopping of a player is a black card but there’s a similar offence which is just a noting offence. I can see a lot of small issues developing.”

Last week, Westmeath manager Paul Bealin called for common sense to be shown in administering the new rules in the pre-season competitions.

Bannon believes that would defeat the purpose of them coming into operation in January.

“I wouldn’t like to see a soft launch in the O’Byrne Cup or the other competitions because then it would be unfair and of no benefit for the start of the National League when the rules have to be applied.

“The rule is the rule. Once January 1 comes around, the rule has to apply as it is written.”

Bannon can see players picking up black cards at the end of the league to avoid Championship suspensions but doesn’t see much more manipulation of the new system.

“I don’t think we’ll see managers telling players to pick up black cards. The likes of Dublin and Mayo have another 13 or so good players on the bench so it’s not a massive issue for them losing a player.

“But for the junior clubs, it’s they who are really going to suffer because they don’t have the quality players to bring on.”