Tyrone and Dublin to appeal NFL suspensions

THE GAA’s Central Appeals Committee meet tomorrow night to hear the appeals of the seven Dublin and Tyrone players suspended in the wake of the Healy Park dust-up.

Tyrone trio Kevin Hughes, Owen Mulligan and Michael McGee, along with Dublin’s Ciaran Whelan, Alan Brogan, Kevin Bonner and Bryan Cullen, are due to attend the Croke Park hearing.

Six of the seven were hit with eight-week bans, with Cullen suspended for four weeks, after the Central Disciplinary Committee carried out an investigation into the incidents which marred an explosive NFL tie on February 5.

Should all or any of the appeals fail, the Disputes Resolution Authority could be brought in to adjudicate on any subsequent action by the players concerned.

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte is hoping for a successful outcome from tomorrow evening’s hearing.

He has already been forced to draft in five additional players to his squad to cover for suspensions and injuries.

Dublin selector Dave Billings said all of their players have also appealed the suspensions - a decision that is fully backed by the management team and the Dublin County Board.

“It was up to each player to appeal the decision if they wished and all of our players are exercising that right.”