Players banned for Thurles fracas

News round-up : A number of Cork and Clare players involved in ugly scenes prior to last Sunday's Munster hurling first round…

News round-up: A number of Cork and Clare players involved in ugly scenes prior to last Sunday's Munster hurling first round match in Thurles are facing bans, the GAA confirmed this morning.

Both county boards were also fined as a result of the fracas that started in the tunnel area before brawling spread on to the pitch where it lasted for about 30 seconds before order was restored.

The GAA's Competition Control Committee (CCC) met yesterday morning to discuss the incident, and similar scenes at Sunday's other senior hurling championship fixture between Laois and Offaly, and have recommended a number of suspensions.

The players facing spells on the sidelines, who have yet to be named as the disciplinary process is ongoing, may opt for a hearing to try and overturn the bans. It they choose this course of action, the matter would go to the Hearings Committee.

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"The GAA have confirmed that the CCC have proposed suspensions on a number of players from the Cork and Clare teams," read a GAA statement released this morning. "The parties involved now have the right to seek a hearing (through the Central Hearing's Committee) if they do not accept the penalties imposed.

"No further information can be given at this point as the disciplinary process is ongoing."

In relation to the Laois and Offaly match, the CCC were not in a position to take any further action as the referee had dealt with the matter at the time by handing out yellow cards.

Meanwhile, Derry footballer Paddy Bradley will be available to face Antrim in the Ulster championship this weekend after his 12 week suspension was put on hold by the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA) last night.

Bradley, who received the ban after an incident with a referee in a club match six weeks ago, earned a reprieve, temporarily at least, as the DRA ruled that the suspension procedure had not been done fairly.

They have referred the case back to the Derry Hearing Committee but in the meantime Bradley is free to play.