Joe Canning has theory on worrying trend of lack of black cards in hurling

Interesting.

One obvious example occurred early on in Cork's Munster SHC showdown against Waterford.

The Déise's Stephen Bennett was charging through on goal before being pulled down by Cork's Mark Coleman.

Fans and pundits alike were convinced it was the perfect situation in which to award a black card.

On the Sunday Game, Dónal Óg Cusack said: "You'd have to ask, why was it brought in the first day.

"It was brought in to stop out-and-out goal chances, there be cynical fouling and professional fouling, and taking down the players in that situation. And it was a good rule Jackie.

"For some reason the referees don't seem to applying it when it seems obvious that they should."

At half-time during Cork vs Waterford, Galway legend Joe Canning had a theory as to why there is a lack of cards.

Kilkenny great Jackie Tyrrell said: "The black card seems to have vanished out of the game.

"That was a clear black card as Joe said, through on goal and pulled down."

Canning added: "I think they may be afraid of calling these big decisions in a match like this maybe. It's a lot of pressure.