Advantage rule ‘clear as mud’ says Alan Nash

The advantage rule has the potential to cause major headaches for club football referees, according to Alan Nash, secretary of the Gaelic Match Officials Association (GMOA).

The rule now permits a referee to call back the action for a free if a fouled player hasn’t obtained an advantage within five seconds of the offence. However, Nash is concerned the administering of the rule will exert incredible pressure on referees.

“The implementation will throw up issues. Tipperary minors were playing at the weekend and a player was fouled going through on goal but was given advantage. He shipped another tackle and blew the ball wide.