Brian Cody cleared of misconduct

Kilkenny hurling manager Brian Cody has been cleared of any formal misconduct following his criticism of Westmeath referee Barry Kelly, who took charge of the drawn All-Ireland hurling final against Tipperary last month. Cody has, however, been warned about his future conduct.

The GAA's Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) brought a charge against Cody after he described Kelly's decision to award a last-minute free to Tipperary in the drawn game as "criminal". Cody then attended a Central Hearing Committee (CHC) meeting in Croke Park on Thursday night, to explain his case, and according to a statement from Croke Park, the CHC found his comment "did not constitute misconduct considered to have discredited the association."

In the statement, the CHC said it “considered comments attributed to Brian Cody in the national media did not constitute misconduct considered to have discredited the association. However, Brian Cody was warned as to his future conduct in media interviews”.

Cody made his controversial comment the day after Kilkenny beat Tipperary in the All-Ireland final replay, saying Kelly’s decision to award the late free in the drawn game - which Tipperary missed - was “criminal”.

“They were handed an opportunity which was a completely wrong decision,” said Cody. “We didn’t speak about it the last day but it was criminal. People can say that I am whingeing and moaning all they like, but I am telling the truth.”