Connolly could be punished for clash with Fitzpatrick

DIARMUID Connolly may have a case to answer for a clash with Kildare’s Ciarán Fitzpatrick during Sunday’s Bord na Mona O’Byrne Cup semi-final.

TG4’s second-half footage of the game appears to show the Dublin forward’s knees making contact with Fitzpatrick’s head as the Kildare man lay on the ground. Connolly was subsequently yellow-carded along with James Kavanagh after the pair clashed immediately aftermath of the incident.

However, as referee Eddie Kinsella apparently did not see the exchange, the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee could yet hand down a suspension to the St Vincent’s man.

The offence carries an eight-week suspension. Connolly had a red card rescinded in last year’s All-Ireland semi-final after he raised his hands to the face of Donegal player Marty Boyle.