"Rian feels he was pulled down" - McGeeney on O'Neill red card

June 04, 2023

Armagh's Rian O'Neill is sent off against Tyrone ©INPHO/Evan Treacy

Armagh boss Kieran McGeeney says he will review footage of the incident that led to Rian O’Neill’s sending off against Tyrone yesterday before deciding an appeal against the full-forward’s suspension.

O’Neill received a straight red card five minutes before half-time after appearing to kneel on the head of opponent Cormac Quinn as the Orchard men went to lose on a 0-13 to 0-11 scoreline in Omagh.

Speaking after the game, McGeeney said that O’Neill had felt “he was pulled down by the jersey” during the incident and, on his team’s performance itself, the former Orchard captain rued their missed chances on the day.

"It's something we have to look at but I'm sure we will get a fair hearing," McGeeney told BBC Sport NI

"Obviously the red card had a huge impact, losing a player like Rian is huge any time, but the biggest thing was missing the goal chances.

"I thought we played some lovely football but we didn't finish the execution and it's a question missed shots.

"Although Rian is adamant that the free (that was given wide) was over as well. At this stage you are playing for a play-off or a home play-off, depending on how Tyrone do against Westmeath, but that's the great thing about the system.

"Every game is important so you get up, dust yourself down and go again."


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