Scores pile up as backs run scared of black card

Fear of picking up a black card has defenders running scared, according to four inter-county managers.

Cork’s Brian Cuthbert, Westmeath’s Paul Bealin, Cavan boss Terry Hyland and Roscommon manager John Evans are in unanimous agreement that the record high scoring from last weekend’s opening round of games in the Allianz football league is largely attributable to the “tentative” and “cautious” approach of defences, inhibited by the dread of receiving a black card.

James Horan, in the aftermath of Mayo’s league defeat to Kildare on Sunday, said players are afraid to tackle because of the uncertainty of the black card, a sentiment shared by Cork boss Brian Cuthbert.