The controversial 'black card' motion has been passed by the GAA's Congress in Derry. 

71 per cent of delegates voted in favour of Motion 4 - enough for a two-thirds majority - which is aimed at curbing cynical fouling and will now be introduced to Gaelic Football on January 1st 2014.

Of the speakers, only Cork's Christy Ring Jr opposed the motion, whereas Dublin delegate Andy Kettle described cyncial fouling as a "cancer on the game".

If a black card is shown to a player by a referee, the offending player must be substituted immediately. 

Offences that fall under the remit of the black card rule include:

1 Deliberately pulling down an opponent

2 Deliberately tripping an opponent with arm, hand or foot

3 Deliberately colliding with an opponent off the ball when the ball has been released

4 Using provocative language or gestures at an opponent 

5 Aggressively remonstrating with a match official

6 A black card in three successive games would lead to a one match suspension which would apply to all matches except the All Ireland Final.

Delegates have also voted overwhelmingly to make stadiums available for the Rugby World Cup in 2023 or 2027 should Ireland be granted the tournament.

The motion was carried by 93 votes to 7.

Motion 1 to change the format of the All Ireland hurling championship was also passed. Under the new rules only 10 teams will compete for the Liam McCarthy Cup.

 

©INPHO/Presseye/Lorcan Doherty