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Wexford manager Davy Fitzgerald does not want the black card in hurling. Ryan Byrne/INPHO

'Let's not pass that motion. I hope delegates don't go near it' - Fitzgerald slams black card for hurling

The Wexford boss says the game doesn’t need the rule.

DAVY FITZGERALD HAS slammed the idea of bringing the black card rule into hurling, insisting that the game is “pretty good” in its current format.

The GAA Congress will consider the potential introduction of the sanction when they meet on the weekend of 28/29 February. It would see the offending player go to the sin-bin for 10 minutes, for the purpose of reducing cynical play in the game.

But the Wexford boss is unequivocal in his opposition to the rule coming into hurling.

“Let’s not pass that motion, no matter what the story is,” he told RTÉ Sport after his side’s league win over Kilkenny today.

We don’t need that. And I really, really, hope the delegates don’t go near that motion.”

Dublin defender Chris Crummey recently spoke out against the possible arrival of the black card, adding that he suspects issues like time-wasting could arise from the rule.

Fitzgerald says the game doesn’t need any changes and is in good condition as it is.

“The game is pretty good. Let it flow, let it go. If something is sinister, blow it. Let’s not go making many changes.”

In conversation with Brian Carthy, Fitzgerald also expressed his concerns about the club-only month in April where players return to their clubs, and the inter-county schedule is put on hold.

“We give our club back to the club for four weeks,” the Clare native began.

“Normally then I would go away for a week after that, which the boys love. We’re not allowed do it.

Absolutely crazy. You’re punishing a county that is giving their players back for four weeks. And we don’t take them. We give them back for the four weeks and I think that’s crazy.

“There’s certain things I think need to be talked out with county managers and county players about what’s the best.

“If you’re helping your club, you should be rewarded in a certain way, that’s what I’m saying.”

GAA Director-General Tom Ryan recently outlined his concerns about the expenses involved in running inter-county teams, saying it is “unsustainable” in the organisation’s 2019 financial report.

When asked about Wexford’s spending situation, Fitzgerald replied:

“I think Derek Kent [Wexford GAA chairman] will tell you, I would meet him every so often about our budgets. We try our very best to be as organised and as professional as we can.

“But we know our budgets, we try and stick to them. All I can worry about is what we do in Wexford. And certainly with the chairman and secretary and treasurer, we would chat a lot about our budgets. 

“We just don’t go out and spend – we chat a lot.”

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11 Comments
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    Mute Robb Stark
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    Feb 16th 2020, 5:49 PM

    Absolutely no need for a black card in hurling.

    Leave it alone.

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    Mute Eamonn Hawe
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    Feb 16th 2020, 7:13 PM

    Cork are voting in favour of the black card. Delegates at the board meeting reference Kilkenny tactics over many years and also Alan Cadogan’s treatment by Kilkenny in last year’s all-ireland quarter final.

    No surprise that Davy is against this, his teams would suffer more than most.

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    Mute Michael O'Mahony
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    Feb 16th 2020, 8:32 PM

    @Eamonn Hawe: i agree kilkenny sail close to the wind. All ireland was where it backfired. However as a corkman i say no to the black card and hit back hard .

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    Mute Gerard Martin
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    Feb 17th 2020, 5:36 AM

    @Eamonn Hawe: they would all have black cards

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    Mute jl
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    Feb 16th 2020, 6:00 PM

    If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. They don’t need to f*#k with this game, jesus we’re having record scores and fantastic entertainment as is

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    Mute michael murray
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    Feb 16th 2020, 7:41 PM

    If ever a sport needed a sin bin then it’s hurling

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    Mute James Murphy
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    Feb 16th 2020, 11:06 PM

    @michael murray: Jog on Michael

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    Mute James Douglas
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    Feb 16th 2020, 11:39 PM

    @James Murphy: “jog on” is such a silly phrase.

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    Mute michael murray
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    Feb 17th 2020, 3:11 PM

    @James Murphy: oh I do apologize! Was I not supposed to have an opinion?? Very sorry I upset you!

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    Mute Ado Smith
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    Feb 16th 2020, 6:23 PM

    Reasonable article up to the point Davey mentioned sticking to a budget! Broke most clubs and counties he ever was involved with. Saw a Clare training session under winter lights in UL a few times 7 or 8 yrs ago. Ridiculous amount of backroom and entourage involved at that stage!. And it’s obviously worse now by all accounts. He won the AI around then but if that’s what it takes to put county boards nearly financially ruined fair enough, winners will always recoup, runners up rarely .

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    Mute Fr Romeo sensini.
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    Feb 17th 2020, 4:27 PM

    Pull hard lads. Drive it, drive it, drive it.

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