The GAA have just released a statement indicating that the 7 players from Tyrone and Dublin banned for 8 weeks after a brawl involving both teams last month have had their bans overturned. No indication was given as to why the appeals were upheld. The decision means that all 7 players are available to play for their counties this weekend.

As a GAA fan I am extremely disappointed with this decision by the Central Appeals Committee. While the GAA has made much progress in recent years with the opening of Croke Park to foreign sports and other initiatives the violence which still marrs many games is hindering the public image and progress of the GAA in general. While we may all have a laugh at the shenanigans which go on the fact of the matter is that no other sporting code appears to have the same problem.

The main issue is the manner in which the organisation deals with disciplinary matters. Swifter more severe sentences and possibly a number of rule changes are needed and quickly too. Otherwise with this precedent now fixed it may be a long summer of overturned suspensions and appeal fiascos.

Published by Padraig.