Tullamore player facing 96-week ban for pushing referee

November 07, 2023

Tullamore players take to the field. ©INPHO/Bryan Keane.

The Tullamore player who pushed referee Barry Tiernan to the ground during last month's Leinster Club SFC first round clash with Summerhill has been proposed for a 96-week suspension.

A 48-week ban has also been recommended for a Tullamore official for another flashpoint at the end of the game in Glenisk O'Connor Park, while the Offaly champions have also been slapped with a €2,500 fine.

The player, who wasn't togged out, entered the field at the end of the game and pushed the Dublin referee in the back. It remains to be seen if he will appeal the suspension which is the minimum Leinster CCC could have proposed for an assault on a match official. 

Tiernan had infuriated Tullamore when he changed his mind over the awarding of a penalty to them in the sixth minute of stoppage-time. The Blues were trailing by two points when the referee initially awarded a close-range free after a Summerhill player touched the ball on the ground. Then, after consulting with his umpires, he awarded a penalty.

As Paul McConway waited to take the penalty, there was further delay as players from both sides engaged in some pushing and shoving. Following further consultation with one of his linesmen, Tiernan reverted back to his original decision to award a free-in which was deemed to be the correct one.

With 13 Summerhill players on the goal-line, John Furlong’s shot was blocked and the final whistle eventually sounded before unsavoury scenes followed.


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