By John Harrington

GAA Ard Stiúrthóir, Tom Ryan, believes it is time to give serious consideration again to the introduction of a black card in hurling.

A motion to introduce that deterrent was heavily defeated at GAA Annual Congress 2020.

But the pattern of cynical fouling that was subsequently apparent in the 2020 All-Ireland SHC has strengthen calls once again for the introduction of a black card.

“It is absolutely essential that we do not allow a situation to evolve (or persist) whereby it pays to engage in foul play,” said Ryan in his 2020 Annual Report.

“Sanctions have to be enshrined so as to bring about a change in approach on the field.

“I know that there is a counter argument that says we don’t need black cards and such in hurling. I’m not deaf to that point of view, and I know that was the consensus in previous years, but I do think the time has come to give it serious consideration again.

“Not just as a response to specific matches or fouls…more because that is our ongoing responsibility. In some respects the time to take action is when a trend emerges that needs to be reversed, not later when more drastic remedial action might be needed.”