It had been a bone of contention in recent weeks as the GAA Congress approached. But against the odds 71 per cent of delegates passed Motion 4 which will see the introduction of the 'black card' to Gaelic Football from January 2014.

The new rule was passed as a means of curbing cynical fouling and would see an offending player immediately substituted after receiving a black card.

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

In addition if a player receives a black card in three successive games, he will face a one match suspension which would apply to all games except the All Ireland final.

But on yesterday's Panel on Newstalk Sport Saturday, St Brigid's goalkeeper Shane Curran believes that the 'black card' will be a disaster for administrators and referees, while journalist Eoin Butler had concerns over possible loopholes.

But do you agree with the new rule?

©INPHO/Morgan Treacy