Football

Tyrone considering appeal to suspension of four

Referee David Gough issued five red cards during the National League game between Armagh and Tyrone at the Athletic Grounds on February 6 Picture by Philip Walsh
Referee David Gough issued five red cards during the National League game between Armagh and Tyrone at the Athletic Grounds on February 6 Picture by Philip Walsh Referee David Gough issued five red cards during the National League game between Armagh and Tyrone at the Athletic Grounds on February 6 Picture by Philip Walsh

TYRONE were last night weighing up their options after the GAA upheld the suspension of the four Red Hand players who were given their marching orders at the Athletic Grounds a fortnight ago.

Kieran McGeary, Pádraig Hampsey, Michael McKernan and Peter Harte were all red carded by referee David Gough in chaotic scenes towards the end of the opening day National League fixture between the All-Ireland champions and Armagh on February 6. The Orchard county’s Greg McCabe was also sent-off as a result of the melee and it is understood his case will be heard tonight ahead of Armagh’s game with Monaghan this Saturday.

The Tyrone county board made representations on behalf of the four at a Central Hearings Committee session at Croke Park on Monday night, but Headquarters declined to overturn the regulation one-game suspension.

As it stands, Footballer of the Year McGeary, team captain Hampsey, Allstar Harte and Coalisland clubman McKernan will miss this Sunday’s clash with Kildare at Healy Park, leaving a gaping hole to fill in the heart of the Red Hand defence. However, Tyrone have the option to appeal and it is understood the management team of Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher were running the rule over their options at last night’s training session before making a final decision.

A successful outcome to any appeal could yet see the four lining out against the Lilywhites at the weekend.