Antrim’s Declan Lynch says rule changes in hurling “are slowly, but surely starting to rip apart the game”.  

Following the motion’s passing at Congress last month, a penalty will be awarded for a foul which denies a clear goal-scoring opportunity within the 20-metre line or arc with the offender.

Antrim football captain Lynch, who helped his native Lámh Dhearg to Antrim and Ulster Junior Hurling Championship honours in 2016, feels it’s “change for the sake of change”.

“Touching anything to do with hurling should be a no-go,” Lynch told BelfastMedia.com.

“Hurling is as fluid a game as you’ll see. If you are going to start introducing new rules, you are starting on a dangerous path. Everyone loves watching a game of hurling on a sunny day and they should leave it as it is and not tamper with it.

“It is change for the sake of change. I just think they are slowly, but surely starting to rip apart the game. How do you deem something cynical? Where do you draw the line between clinical and clumsy? If you trip or trip into someone on your way down, is that cynical?

“I think it is giving referees seriously more work when they don’t need it. I think it will lead to frustration. I hope it doesn’t last longer than a trial run.

“It is beyond me how referees are meant to police that. When you watch games on television during the All-Ireland series, you are nearly shouting at the television calling for a black card when certain decisions aren’t given as a black card.

“It is like the advanced mark in football - it is a good idea in theory, but it isn’t playing out as it was intended.”

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