In a further twist to the 'sectarian abuse' row in Monaghan, Magheracloone have withdrawn their teams from all competitions after the county's CCC handed one of their players a proposed eight-week ban.

Last weekend's senior league game involving Magheracloone and Ballybay came to a premature end when Ballybay's players walked off the pitch in support of their team-mate Drew Wylie - a member of the Protestant community - who claimed he was the victim of sectarian abuse.

County player Wylie had been sent-off and he has received a proposed four-week ban from Monaghan's disciplinary chiefs but the Irish Independent reports that the row has escalated after the CCC informed Magheracloone yesterday of their decision to propose an eight-week suspension for the alleged guilty party.

The club has since withdrawn from all competitions until their player's and club's 'good name and reputation has been restored'.

A statement issued by Magheracloone reads: "The Magheracloone club is unhappy with the response from Monaghan County Board and the way the media has portrayed our player and club after an altercation during a SFL game on Sunday last against the Ballybay club.

"The player involved denies the allegation made against him yet today received an eight-week suspension solely on the word of a Ballybay player.

"The club feels that justice has not been served in this case.

"The club executive, with the full support of players and club members, has decided to withdraw all teams from all club competitions with immediate effect until our player's and club's good name and reputation has been restored."

Ballybay manager John Joe Gorman, meanwhile, stands by his decision to withdraw his team from the field of play and claimed it is not the first time that Wylie has been the victim of such abuse.

"I, with the full backing of team coach Fintan Burns and selector Damien McBride, decided to remove our players from the field of play in response to a vicious sectarian verbal assault on our player Drew Wylie.

"We emphatically stand by this gesture and feel that this was the only action available to us in solidarity with our valued team member and indeed to highlight this despicable practice.

"This is the third year in a row that Drew has had to suffer sectarian abuse on the playing field. Our players and back-room staff will remain steadfast in support of our 'brother' and his family, who are all valued, key club members.

"We are not prepared to stand idly by and ignore this. Enough is enough." Tweet

Most Read Stories