Leinster chiefs launch probe into O’Byrne Cup biting claim

Leinster disciplinary officials have launched a full investigation into allegations a player was bitten during Dublin’s stormy O’Byrne Cup tie with DCU.

The provincial council’s central competitions control committee met last night amid speculation that they may take action against an individual based on referee David Gough’s official report.

However, it was instead confirmed that a smaller six-man sub committee will be convened to investigate the claims fully.

It’s understood that the smaller gathering met immediately after the CCC meeting to plan their course of action in the coming days.

They are likely to request any video footage that exists of the game and may also seek testimony from those who made the claim.

It’s alleged that a DCU player was the victim of a bite from a Dublin player during the Round 3 tie which the students won after coming from six points down at Parnell Park.

Referee Gough’s report is believed to make reference to an incident occurring though it clearly wasn’t detailed enough to warrant sanctions against any player.

A provincial spokesman said the sub committee are expected to report back to a full CCC meeting at some stage next week.

The CCC weren’t initially supposed to convene last night but brought forward a planned meeting from next week due to the biting saga.

The development would appear to be a positive one from Dublin’s perspective. Video footage of the alleged incident is unlikely to exist meaning the case may rest upon the testimony of a DCU player.

When similar allegations were made against a Dublin player last year, defender Kevin O’Brien, who was hit with a proposed three-match ban, the opposing player did not turn up to give evidence. As a result, the case collapsed and O’Brien was cleared.

Neither Dublin nor DCU have commented on the latest allegation which has the potential to drive a wedge between the closely aligned camps.

Current DCU manager Niall Moyna was part of Dublin’s All-Ireland winning management team in 2011.

The Glasnevin based college’s GAA Academy chief, Michael Kennedy, was a selector with last season’s Sam Maguire winning side.

A number of Dublin players including Dean Rock, James McCarthy and Jonny Cooper currently study at the college and are expected to line out for them in next month’s Sigerson Cup.

It’s understood that neither Dublin nor DCU were represented at last night’s meeting of the province’s 11-man disciplinary panel.