Lengthy bans for four Swan players after ref incident

Huge suspensions, including a two-year ban, have been handed down to members of the Carrick Swan club in Tipperary following an alleged assault on a referee last weekend.

Tipperary disciplinary chiefs have slapped four members of the Swan club with various bans after John Kelly abandoned the JFC semi-final against Shannon Rovers at half-time.

Kelly called a halt to proceedings at half-time as he feared for his safety and that of his officials. He had booked five and sent off two Swan players before the alleged assault.

Tipperary county board disciplinary officials acted swiftly and proposed a number of suspensions on Monday night.

An official statement read: "At a meeting of Tipperary county competitions control committee last night (Monday), the referee’s report from this game was considered and the game was awarded to Shannon Rovers. In addition, proposed suspensions were imposed on four Carrick Swan players, one of 96 weeks, two of 24 weeks each and one of four weeks.

"A substantial fine was imposed on the Carrick Swan club. The players will be informed of these proposed suspensions and have the right to appeal them and the club also has the right to appeal the fine imposed."