Micheál Burns sees red for strike on McHugh after mass brawl in Kerry-Donegal clash

The All-Ireland SFC Round 1 clash in Killarney descended into an ugly, rolling clash between both camps which could well have further implications.

Sat, 23 May, 2026 - 16:27

Examiner Staff

Micheál Burns was dismissed for a strike on Ryan McHugh as the Kerry-Donegal All-Ireland SFC Round 1 clash in Killarney descended into an ugly, rolling confrontation between both camps which could well have further implications.

With little love lost between the sides, Donegal were leading by five points when an incident involving what appeared to be a high hit from Kerry's David Clifford on Caolan McGonagle sparked a series of flashpoints.

On the edge of the arc, away from the initial incident, McHugh was dragged aside by both Burns and Diarmuid O'Connor. Veteran McHugh was left with a badly bloodied face, crimson streaming from a cut above his left eye. The incident left Donegal manager apoplectic and he ran on to the field of play to confront O'Connor putting his hands on the Kingdom player.

HALF-TIME DRAMA😲

As the hooter sounded, tensions rose in Killarney🥊

It's all to play for in the second half of this epic battle🔥👀#KERvDON @Kerry_Official @donegalgaa

Clips courtesy of@AIB_GAA pic.twitter.com/ofYMeP7e8W
— GAA+ (@GAAPlusOfficial) May 23, 2026

Given the recent precedent set by Ger Brennan's ban for the Dublin manager's confrontation with a member of the Galway staff, McGuinness may face an anxious wait.

After both teams had sprinted towards the tunnels in Killarney, referee Sean Hurson spent the interval in consult with his fellow officials and before the second half threw in pulled McGuinness and Kerry boss Jack O'Connor on to the field for a talk.

With McHugh subbed off with a bandage wrapped around his head, Hurson then dished out retrospective action with Burns shown a straight red and Kerry defender Evan Looney a yellow card.

More to come...