ARMAGH defender Paul Hughes says Kieran McGeeney’s 12-week ban is “not the end of the world” and believes more managers should consider sitting in the stands for games.
McGeeney has decided not to appeal his suspension he incurred after Armagh’s National League win over Antrim on March 25.
It is understood ‘Geezer’ was cited for verbal abuse towards official Joe McQuillan and after failing to get the ban overturned following a hearing the Mullaghbawn man has decided not to pursue the matter any further.
He will be banished to the stands for Armagh's Ulster Championship clash with Down on June 4.
Speaking to the Irish News ahead for this month’s Championship supplement, Hughes said: “It’s not the end of the world because he’ll have a better view from the stand than he would have on the touchline. We’re not making a big deal out of it.
“You see it with all the rugby managers. I know it’s not the same sport but there are Gaelic football managers that sit up in the stands because they can see the game better.”
Hughes, who has been an ever-present in Armagh’s NFL campaign this season, joked with his manager that he might have got a lesser ban had he followed the example of Wexford manager Davy Fitzgerald.
“Kieran took us into a huddle before one of our training sessions and said: ‘I’m sure you all know that I’ve got a ban but it’s not a big deal, there’s going to be no appeal and we’ll just get on with it.’
“And that was pretty much it. After the session was over I said to him: ‘You should have gone onto the pitch and hit a player - you’d only have got eight weeks!’
The strict interpretation of the 12-week ban, under Rule 7.5 (e), means a manager is prohibited from communicating with his players at the venue on the day of a game, but the GAA has traditionally adopted a laissez faire approach in this regard because it is almost impossible to police.
On the perceived severity of McGeeney’s ban, Hughes said: “I think the GAA is just trying to make a statement that officials are a no-go but there’s not much you can do about it now.”
In a wide-ranging interview, the Crossmaglen clubman also paid a glowing tribute to defender Andy Mallon who recently retired from the inter-county scene after a distinguished 14-year career.
“It was great being around Andy,” said the 25-year-old. “He helped me improve as a player. Whenever I went back I was asking was Andy coming back because I know he came back last year midway through the League but he’s living in Dublin and he has a young family.”
Hughes, who is hoping to make his Championship debut against Down in Newry next month, revealed that Mallon was still capable of continuing to play at the highest level.
“Andy was probably the fastest on the team, even at his age. It’s crazy how fast he is. Mark Shields is pretty quick as well. We have the GPS’s on our backs and some of the boys get competitive about that. James Morgan is pretty fast, a powerful runner.”
