Niall Sludden given one of the worst black cards ever after Lee Keegan tackle

What is a black card given for in the GAA?

Good question. No-one seems to know. Here's the technical breakdown - what actually is supposed to constitute a black card.

• Deliberate body collide (AKA a third man tackle)
• Deliberate trip
• Deliberate pull-down
• Verbal abuse
• Remonstrating with a match official

It's safe to say that those guidelines are not followed to the letter and that some referees bring in their own guidelines along the way too. During the first half of a pulsating clash between Tyrone and Mayo in Omagh, referee Conor Lane issued two black cards - one to either side. Niall Sludden was given his marching orders after just 15 minutes for a pretty innocuous foul on Lee Keegan. Then Lee Keegan wasn't long in following him for a more cynical tackle but both have caused some controversy. The decision to end Sludden's game was crazy though. Keegan drives forward, as he does. Sludden reaches across to slap down at the ball. Keegan falls into the tackle and wins his free - soft enough, but still a free. A different angle shows Sludden's arm preparing to tackle cleanly. Keegan's off balance and Sludden is making the mistake of reaching across - always a foul for those. He hatches at the ball. He doesn't get it and backs up. Keegan tumbles. He actually gets up and hand passes off but Conor Lane has seen enough. Another success story for the black card...