McGuinness and Clifford to Avoid Bans After Kerry-Donegal Melee
Donegal manager Jim McGuinness and Kerry forward David Clifford will not face bans following the melee between the two counties during Saturday's All-Ireland Senior Football Championship (SFC) round one match.
The incident occurred at halftime in Killarney when an altercation broke out between players from both teams. Donegal's Ryan McHugh was left bloodied after being struck by Kerry's Micheal Burns.
During the confrontation, McGuinness appeared to push Kerry's Diarmuid O'Connor as tensions escalated. Burns was sent off by referee Sean Hurson before the second half began.
Prior to the restart, Hurson spoke extensively with both McGuinness and Kerry manager Jack O'Connor, instructing them to send their substitutes and assistant coaches to the stands.
Following receipt of Hurson's report, the GAA's Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) decided against imposing any sanctions on McGuinness or Clifford.
In comparison, Dublin manager Ger Brennan is currently serving a 12-week suspension for 'physical interference with an opposing player or team official' during a league game against Galway in March, when he clashed with Galway coach Cian Breathnach McGinn. Unlike McGuinness, Brennan was sent off after the incident.
Kerry forward Clifford also avoided suspension despite appearing to strike Donegal's Caolan McGonagle in an off-the-ball incident during the first half.
Donegal ultimately won the match 2-20 to 0-16 at Fitzgerald Stadium.
