Antrim boss Davy Fitzgerald handed eight-week suspension

Antrim manager Davy Fitzgerald, Pic: Leah Scholes/Inpho

Antrim hurling boss Davy Fitzgerald has been handed an eight-week suspension. 

The ban follows comments made by Fitzgerald in the aftermath of Galway's 28-point drubbing of Antrim in the Leinster SHC two weeks ago, in which Declan McCloskey was sent off just prior to half-time for an off-the-ball altercation.

The Clare native made comments on match official Johnny Murphy, who was the one who picked out the incident involving Saffrons man McCloskey in Salthill.

"It was Johnny Murphy that seen it and Johnny Murphy now wouldn't have any time for me anyway - that’s out there," said Fitzgerald, speaking to RTÉ post-match.

"Everybody knows that himself and one or two more of them, they actually despise me and that's fine, I can get over that. But don't take it out on the players, you have to see everything."

Fitzgerald - who has endured a difficult campaign as Antrim boss - was subsequently charged with 'misconduct considered to have discredited the association'. 

The Antrim boss attended a meeting of the Central Hearings Committee on Friday, following his charge, where the eight-week ban was handed down.

Fitzgerald has the right to appeal the ruling.