Deegan in dock over advantage rule

Armagh’s Jamie Clarke has cleared Paul Grimley of all responsibility for Sunday’s defeat by Cavan, but questioned referee Maurice Deegan’s decision not to allow him advantage in scoring his second-half disallowed goal.

Despite Grimley holding his hand up for the loss, the Crossmaglen forward admitted the players were to blame for the Ulster quarter-final result. While making no excuses for Armagh’s below-par performance, Clarke also expressed his disappointment Deegan didn’t provide him with the leeway that saw him find the Cavan net only for it not to count.

The 23-year-old stressed the decision had no impact on the final result but he was frustrated not to have been given the opportunity to score the goal. As per the rule, once the Laois match official had blow the whistle for a free-in to Armagh he couldn’t permit play to continue.