The proposed new gaelic football rules have received a resounding thumbs down from Carlow manager Turlough O’Brien.
“I am gobsmacked by the new rules,” he told Sky Sports.
“I'm stunned at the number of rules they're putting forward for a start, and that some of them are so unrealistic, I can't understand why they've done it. They're saying, 'you've got to play a certain way, and the way is simple; 1940s, catch and kick, and wear your flat cap'.
“I think the game today, there are issues but none of these are dealing with it. I mean the biggest issue in the game for me is the tackle, and there's no mention of it anywhere. They haven't addressed it.
“As a result, we end up with all of these controversial black cards.”
The plan to trial the new rules in the league is another source of anger for O’Brien...
“I think the fact that they want to trial it in the National Football League is outrageous. We're working very hard to get to Division 3, and now we're going to be subjected to trial rules where players aren't familiar with it, and it could cost you relegation and promotion in the National Football League, the second major competition they have. I think it's mad.
“To treat it like this is going to disrespect the competition. It's going to infuriate. Some teams are going to suffer because these rules are being trialed in this major competition.”
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