Derry and Kerry greats disagree on huge mid-season rule change

The Football Review Committee’s proposal to reduce the 50-metre penalty for a foul on a player who catches a kick-out mark, was passed by the Central Council last week.

The mid-season rule change was implemented for the All-Ireland SFC preliminary quarter-finals.

The law has been huge talking point for a while now. It was criticised after the All-Ireland MFC quarter-final between Kerry and Cavan, where people took to social media to show frustration over the 50-metre advancement allowed from a foul.

The issue came under the spotlight after Kerry’s All-Ireland SFC round-robin win over Cork, with Kingdom boss Jack O’Connor labelling the rule ridiculous.

Speaking on The Sunday Game, Kerry legend Tomas O Sé feels this is the right change at the wrong time.

O Sé said: “I’d agree with it but I just don’t agree with it being changed mid-season.

“We’re about four or five weeks out from the All-Ireland final. We’ve gone through all of the provincials and groups stages – and the next thing you bring this change in.

“Now players and management have to change around the way that they’re training as well.”

He added: “Now halfway through it (there’s more change). I just find it strange to be honest.”

Derry great, Chrissy McKaigue, who was also present on The Sunday Game had a different view on this issue.

He said: “I’d echo the sentiments of Tómás but like the Cork-Kerry game a few weeks ago was pandemonium.

“It was actually bad-looking for the game because no one could really get their heads around some of the infringements called.

“There was a considerable breeze so every 50-metre penalty was a two-point score.

McKaigue added: “So for me it’s the right decision (to change it now). I understand it’s not ideal changing it within the season.”