Referees to tackle cynical pull-backs

Inter-county referees have been told to be particularly vigilant about the pull-back foul this summer.

In recent years, referees chiefs have honed in some infringements at pre-championship seminars and officials are under instructions to ensure the cynical practise of players dragging back opponents is properly penalised.

The pull-back is regarded by Gaelic football teams as one of the best means of performing a cynical foul without incurring a black card as the impeded player is unlikely to be brought down to the ground because of it. In hurling, the use of the spare hand in pulling back an opposing player is common.