GAA players on drug charges face ban

GAA players charged with drug offences will be banned from playing with their club or county until the outcome of their case, under strict new guidelines.

Addressing what up to now has been a “grey area”, the GAA has confirmed the onus will be on clubs to ensure anyone charged is not allowed to remain active in the association pending the outcome of the court case.

The guidelines arise from the case of a Kerry inter- county hurler who continued to play with his county and club, Kilmoyley, while charges against him were pending in the court.