Donegal to appeal as four hit with bans

The Donegal County Board are expected to appeal after it learned yesterday that two of its minor footballers and two minor backroom team members have been hit with eight-week bans by the Ulster Council.

The suspensions came after the Ulster Council met on Sunday to consider a complaint from one of its officials into an alleged incident during Donegal’s 2-14 to 0-7 Ulster MFC quarter-final victory over Armagh seven days beforehand at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh city.

It is understood the incident occurred towards the conclusion of the half-time break, with Donegal leading their hosts 0-8 to 0-3, when the Ulster Council official was attempting to inform the Donegal panel and management to return to the field as the second-half about to begin.

“There will be no further comment at this time and CLG Dhún na nGall would respectfully request consideration be given to the fact that names of underage players should not be speculated upon while consideration is being given to an appeal process,” read a statement from the Donegal County Board.

Donegal are due to face Derry in the semi-final of the Ulster MFC at Clones on Saturday, June 27. Declan Bonner’s Donegal side are favourites to win the All-Ireland minor championship.