Former Sligo footballer Eamonn O'Hara believes that the Black Card is not being fully implemented.

Writing in his weekly column in the Sligo Champion, O'Hara wrote about the sledging that occurred during the Ulster SFC clash between Donegal and Tyrone last Sunday.

A lot has been written about the sledging and verbal abuse that most players received during the game and one side was as guilty as the other.

However, O'Hara states that referee Joe McQuillan had the power to try and put a stop to that by brandishing a bblack card or two.

"Rules have changed now; the black has been introduced to deal with verbal abuse to a team mate or opponent," wrote O'Hara.

"Referee was Cavan's Joe McQuillan and he did a good job throughout but he allowed the verbal abuse happen all day, not once did he pull anyone on it.

"Every player was at it, on one occasion you could see him on television telling Eamonn McGee to shut his mouth, what is his black card for? If Eamonn McGee tripped his opponent would Joe race in say 'stop that Eamonn you can do that' play on?

"There is a sense that in the Ulster championship the rules are different, it has been said only an Ulster referee can referee Ulster football, crap.

"Rules are rules wherever you are, I can bet any money Joe McQuillan will be refereeing elsewhere during the championship and he will punish players for stuff he let go on Sunday. No player has received a black for verbal abuse and while they remain in the referee's pocket, sledging, mouthing and verbal chat will always continue."

Tweet

Most Read Stories