Angry Déise chairman backing Fitzgerald appeal

WATERFORD chairman Tom Cunningham has branded allegations made against hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald after the Allianz Hurling League clash with Tipperary as “shameful and disgraceful’’.

Cunningham confirmed Fitzgerald will appeal the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) recommendation for a 12-week ban arising from referee James Owens’s report of the Semple Stadium clash, where Waterford ended with 13 players following the dismissals of Shane O’Sullivan and Clinton Hennessy.

Cunningham last night offered the manager the full backing of the county board.

Cunningham said: “I was at the game in question, I was on the sideline in the near presence of Davy Fitzgerald throughout, and I can only say that some of the allegations against him are both shameful and disgraceful.

“To be honest, I am shocked and dismayed at the contents of the referees report. Let me also state quite clearly too that he will have the full and undivided backing and support of the Waterford County Board.”

Cunningham confirmed the board has requested the appeal hearing be held next Friday night at which there will be a “full representation’’ on their part.

“This is too serious a matter not to contest in as full a manner as is possible and I can only hope that when all the facts of the matter have been put on the table by our side, that justice will be administered,” the Waterford chairman said.

Cunningham added that neither he nor any other board official will be commenting further in advance of the hearing of Fitzgerald’s appeal against the proposed suspensions.

The Waterford boss is expected to call on a number of witnesses as he makes his case against referee James Owens’ claims he verbally abused him during Saturday’s Allianz HL Division One game against Tipperary in Thurles. The Central Hearings Committee is headed by former Disputes Resolution chairman Liam Keane.