The black card has a positive impact on gaelic football, according to Jarlath Burns who is the chairman of the GAA's Standing Committee on Playing Rules.

The controversial card was introduced in 2014 to combat cynical fouling and it's fair to say that its application by referees has frustrated players, managers and supporters alike.

"I suppose when you watch a highly talented young fella like Robbie Kiely walking off the field in tears, it definitely tugs at the heart strings," former Armagh captain Burns acknowledged when speaking to The Irish News.

"But you have to look at the greater good it has brought about.

"The number of people being pulled down has plummeted. As a result, the number of scores has gone up, which is also helped by the square ball rule and the fact that teams are practising long range points."

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