Players involved in Ulster final flare up could avoid suspension over loop hole

Irish Daily Mirror

13-05-2025

The flare-up at the end of the Armagh/Donegal Ulster Final at the weekend may not result in suspensions for any of the players involved, it has emerged.
RTE cameras missed the start of the incident as Donegal kicked the ball out over the sideline and celebrated following their extra-time victory at Clones.
Social media footage has since emerged showing a Donegal player appearing to celebrate in front of the Armagh bench.
An individual emerges from the Armagh bench and strikes the Donegal player before two more individuals wade into the player.
It is unclear from the footage who the individual players are, and identifying them would be an issue in any investigation - even if the GAA ask the counties for the names of the individuals involved.
It is also unlikely that the GAA's Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) would be able to use the social media footage of the incident as video evidence to build a case against any of the players involved.
The RTE footage shows Armagh All-Ireland winning captain Aidan Forker gesticulating at Donegal manager Jim McGuinness after the final whistle with a flare-up going on the background.
GAA chiefs are unlikely to let the matter go after the ugly scenes which marred the immediate aftermath of a compelling Ulster decider at St. Tiernach's Park - and with the game live on TV.
The GAA could charge either or both counties with 'Disruptive Conduct by Players, Team Officials or Supporters (not causing the Premature Termination of a Game).'
Another potential charge is 'Misconduct considered to have discredited the Association,' with either charge potentially leading to fines.
The other variable in the equation is the report of match referee, Kildare's Brenan Cawley.
It is unclear what Cawley and his team of officials observed, but the referee's report is regarded as sacrosanct by the GAA and will be the key factor in any investigation.
Armagh face Derry at the Athletic Grounds in their All-Ireland series opener the weekend after next, while Donegal are at home to Tyrone on the same weekend.