Forde accepts DRA decision

Wexford footballer Mattie Forde has opted to accept the decision of a DRA tribunal and will see out the three-month suspension imposed on him by the GAA's Central Disciplinary Committee.

Forde, who was banned for stamping on Offaly full-back Shane Sullivan during last month's Leinster SFC semi-final, took his case before the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA) last night.

Due to the incident being missed by referee Jim White, the CDC were able to suspend Forde using video evidence. His appeal last week was rejected by the Central Appeals Committee.

At a hearing in Dunboyne last night, it was confirmed that the DRA tribunal "directed that the CDC clarify with the match referee whether or not he saw the alleged 'stamping' incident involving Mattie Forde in the Leinster SFC semi-final on July 2".

The statement added that: "Following the tribunal's decision, Mattie Forde indicated that he did not wish to proceed further with the matter and opted to accept the penalty which had been imposed by the CDC."

Wexford officials had brought barrister Fergal Logan, a former Tyrone footballer, on board to assist their former All-Star forward.

Fermanagh ended Wexford's summer run by beating them in the All-Ireland qualifiers on July 15. While Forde's inter-county season is over, the ban will also see him miss a number of club championship games for Kilanerin.

The 27-year-old has already met with Kilkenny City boss Adrian Fitzpatrick to discuss a short term switch to soccer and the eircom League First Division.