Opening Shot – Can the refereeing problem be solved?

The issue of the black card was raised yet again following last weekend’s All-Ireland semi-final between Tipperary and Mayo

Is it possible to solve the refereeing problems in the GAA?

In his guest column this week, the Ulster Herald’s Ryan McAleer suggests that if Boxing’s officials can’t see that Michael Conlan won his Olympic fight in Rio, then there is little hope for the amatuer referees in the GAA.

He said: “The introduction of the black card had only exacerbated the inconsistent application of the rules by referees.

“The argument for video refereeing at inter-county level is strong. It works in other sports and will work in the GAA.

“Solving the problem club level isn’t simple. The tackle needs defined, rules stream-lined and we need a complete cultural overhaul of the disrespect we have for referees. Maybe that’s impossible.”

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