A Kilkenny legend reckons vanishing spray should be used in hurling to sort out the penalty mess

This might sound a bit radical for some hurling fans’ tastes but we like the way Charlie Carter is thinking.

After Tipperary failed to convert the two penalty chances that came their way during Sunday’s epic All-Ireland hurling final draw with Kilkenny, the debate around the penalty in the small ball game has re-ignited following the implementation of the new rules earlier this season.

Immediately following the implementation of the new rules - which were introduced to stop the Anthony Nash-style penalties which were en vogue earlier in the year and were deemed a threat to player safety - Patrick Horgan and Joe Canning scored penalties for Cork and Galway respectively, but not many have managed to rattle the onion sack since.

The belief among many fans is that there is now an incentive for defenders to foul in the penalty area and in an effort to hand the initiative back to the attacking side, Kilkenny legend Charlie Carter thinks that vanishing spray, which has recently been introduced in soccer, might just provide a solution.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Carter said: “The Anthony Nash style is not acceptable but what I would propose is keep the three players on the goal-line but allow the penalty taker to come in two or three metres more.

“Reducing the distance to 17 or 18m would tip the balance in the penalty taker’s favour. There’s currently no mark on the pitch for it but if they wanted to avoid painting another line they could use the invisible spray to ensure the 17 or 18m is kept between him and the goal-line.”

You can read Carter further elaborate on his reasons for the introduction of vanishing spray in the Irish Examiner here, but what do hurling fans think, is it a viable idea? Or, is it a case that, although it would be great for the novelty value, is it a suggestion that would, eh, disappear, before even being the subject of serious debate?

Feel free to let us know in the comment box below.