It’s time to ban the bigmouths, declares Conor Counihan

Players found guilty of sledging should be hit with a one-match suspension, according to Cork’s 2010 All-Ireland-winning football manager, Conor Counihan.

The current punishment for verbal abuse is a black card and Counihan believes more severe disciplinary measures are required.

“You need to be strong on these things, perhaps a one-match suspension would help cut out the verbals,” said Counihan.

“For the off the ball stuff, referees do need more power. There is limitations on what the linesman and umpire can do. I don’t think there should be limitations in that if there is something going on, they should be able to bring it to the immediate attention of the referee.

“Sledging is ugly to see, but I don’t think it is confined to Ulster, as has been suggested.

“The game is about the skills and it is not about verbals. If you have to start talking your way into it, then you are obviously short on something. We don’t go to matches to see fellas sledging or anything like that.”