The man who was chiefly responsible for the creation of the black card has come to its defence.

In the wake of the three cards that were flashed during the All-Ireland final replay, there’s been renewed criticism of the disciplinary measure, with former Donegal manager Jim McGuinness claiming that the black card is ruining the game.

The former Chairman of the Football Review Committee Eugene McGee says that there should be a review of the rule – but he also told Midlands 103 that it’s been a real positive for the sport.

“1.5% of inter-county footballers have had black cards in this year,” said McGee.

“Jim McGuinness, because he happened to win one All-Ireland, thinks that he’s the high priest of football and the Irish Times gives him space to expound upon his theories.

“If he was that good why didn’t he win a second All-Ireland or a third All-Ireland?

“The vast majority of people I know are quite happy with the black card. It’s a strange new rule and it took a long time to get used to it, but only a tiny, tiny minority of black cards are issued.

“Is anybody arguing about the three black cards? The Mayo goalkeeper; nobody can argue with that, he pulled him down.

“Lee Keegan pulled down (Diarmuid) Connolly, because Connolly was ahead of him with the ball. It’s a classic example of a black card.”