Kilby Backs Sin Bin

By Longsider
December 1 2003

Burnley chairman Barry Kilby has come out in support of the 'sin bin' rule that is currently used in Rugby. Kilby was a recent meeting with fellow league chairman where a number of key issues were discussed.

Kilby revealed that the Nationwide League could begin testing the radical solution that would see players 'sent-off' for a limited amount of time during a game. The rule is used in both Rugby League and Rugby Union and would certainly help reduce the numbers of suspensions that a football club has.

Kilby - "There is a strong movement amongst clubs to have a 'sin bin' following the exposure given to this disciplinary measure in the Rugby World Cup and the success of it there.

"Originally, yellow cards weren't as easily handed out and the only sending offs you saw were for serious offences.

"Nowadays, we are seeing so many red cards and bookings and suspensions are coming in thick and fast for all the teams.

"There is a strong feeling among the First Division clubs for this new measure, with 23 of the 24 clubs backing it.

"Obviously it is all down to FIFA and the FA, but it could be that the Football League will be used as a guinea pig - as we were for the 10-yard advancement rule a few seasons ago.

"We are strongly in favour of giving it a try and I think it is something most supporters will agree with, having seen so many games ruined by cards being dished out."

There's no doubt that with Burnley, having a small squad, would certainly benefit from the ruling although i'm not sure if Mr.Kilby has the best interests of football in his heart with this proposal. If we had a bigger squad, would he still be backing the idea? I'm not so sure.

Whilst the chairman might agree with it others won't. Every time i hear of new ideas to 'imporve' the game i cringe. If it ain't broke then why try to fix it, football is such a simple game let's just leave it as it is thankyou.