*Davy Fitzgerald. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
DAVY FITZGERALD has received an eight week ban for comments criticising Limerick referee Johnny Murphy.
Sixmilebridge native Davy is currently manager of the Antrim senior hurlers and landed himself in hot water in his post-match interview following their 28 point loss to Galway two weeks ago.
Of frustration to Fitzgerald was Murphy’s involvement in a straight red card for Declan McCloskey in the opening half. He said to RTÉ Sport’s Siobhán Madigan that he is “despised” by a section of match officials within the GAA.
“It was Johnny Murphy that seen it and Johnny Murphy now wouldn’t have any time for me anyway – that’s out there,” he remarked. “Everybody knows that himself and one or two more of them, they actually despise me and that’s fine, I can get over that. But don’t take it out on the players, you have to see everything”.
Following the interview, the GAA charged Fitzgerald with ‘misconduct considered to have discredited the association’.
A hearing was requested by the two-time All-Ireland winner, this took place on Friday and the Central Hearings Committee confirmed that they found the infraction proven, and have imposed an eight week ban as a result. Fitzgerald has the option of appealing against the decision.
