Campbell fails to have ban lifted

Donegal defender Paddy Campbell had his appeal against a four-week ban rejected by the GAA's Central Appeals Committee last night.

The 30-year-old full-back was cited for striking Derry forward Enda Muldoon in the groin area during the Ulster SFC semi-final in Clones on June 18.

Campbell was subsequently banned by the Central Disciplinary Committee at a meeting last Wednesday, but had hoped to overturn his suspension with Donegal taking on Fermanagh in the All-Ireland SFC qualifiers this weekend.

He was accompanied to Croke Park last night by Donegal County Board chairman Charlie O'Donnell and treasurer Charlie Cannon and as it stands is still ineligible for a period of four weeks dating from his last game, the Ulster final against Armagh on July 9.

Campbell will also miss the All-Ireland quarter-final against Cork on August 5, should Donegal beat the Ernesiders on Sunday.

However, a further appeal on the Naomh Chonaill man's behalf has not been ruled out.

Donegal manager Brian McIver is set to name his team for the Fermanagh game tonight after training.