Dublin expected to contest Brian Fenton red card

The midfielder was dismissed in the league decider after he reacted to Derry's Eunan Mulholland.

Brian Fenton of Dublin leaves the pitch after he was sent off by referee Conor Lane. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Dublin are expected to contest the red card issued to midfielder Brian Fenton in Sunday’s Allianz Football League Division 1 final.

The two-time footballer of the year was dismissed after he reacted to Derry substitute Eunan Mulholland close to the end of the second half of extra-time.

Referee Conor Lane sent Fenton off after the incident in which he pushed Mulholland in the neck area appeared to have been brought to his attention by linesman David Coldrick.

The Central Competitions Control Committee are set to discuss the matter on Tuesday upon receipt of Lane’s report. A one-match suspension would rule the 31-year-old out of Sunday week’s Leinster quarter-final against Longford or Meath but it is anticipated they will seek a meeting with the Central Hearings Committee.

Speaking on the matter on Sunday, Dublin manager Dessie Farrell said: “I sort of half saw it. I would need to look at the video to be honest to see what went on. It would not be in Brian’s character.

“I saw him pushing a player. Now that could be a sending off, I don’t know, but anyway I am sure that the powers-that-be and our own county board will take a look at that and see what happens.” 

Meanwhile, Rory Beggan could make a dramatic return to the Monaghan panel for Sunday’s Ulster preliminary round game against Cavan in Clones.

“The Irish News” have reported Beggan was at county training this weekend and may be available for the clash in St Tiernach’s Park.

Beggan returned home from the US when he has been attending trials in the hopes of being signed up as a kicker by a NFL team through their new international player pathway.

The Scotstown man’s last game for Monaghan was last year’s All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Dublin. Last week, Down man Charlie Smyth agreed a three-year contract with the New Orleans Saints.

Elsewhere, referees James Molloy and Anthony Nolan are not believed to be part of the panel for the upcoming All-Ireland senior football championship. Galway man Molloy had been part of the group since 2019, while Wicklow’s Nolan was the man in the middle for this year’s All-Ireland junior club final.

Fergal Kelly of Longford will take charge of Sunday’s Munster SFC quarter-final between Cork and Limerick in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Kerry’s Brendan Griffin will referee the other game between Waterford and Tipperary in Fraher Field. Brendan Cawley (Kildare) is the main match official for Monaghan-Cavan clash in Clones.