IN THE latest embarrassment to the GAA's disciplinary process, Cork's Donncha O'Connor has been cleared to play in Sunday's All-Ireland football semi-final replay against Kerry at Croke Park.
O'Connor received a straight red card after slapping Kerry's Aidan O'Mahony in the second half of last weekend's drawn match. The incident created a welter of controversy because of O'Mahony's exaggerated reaction, which saw him fall to the ground despite the blow being clearly not of sufficient force to cause such an outcome.
Given the furore that followed O'Mahony's antics, there was sympathy for O'Connor but because his action had been so clearly seen, there appeared little scope for a successful hearing once a suspension had been recommended by the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC).
Nonetheless, Cork opted for a hearing and in a short statement released yesterday, the GAA announced the player would face no suspension: "The CHC (Central Hearings Committee) has confirmed that no penalty will be imposed on the player in accordance with Rule 147 (cc) of the 2008 Official Guide."
The rule reads: "Subject to the Rules of Evidence above, the hearings committee may make a finding that the facts proved disclose an infraction, but one less serious than that alleged in the Notice of Disciplinary action, and may make a decision accordingly."
Cork are believed to have adduced video evidence to argue both O'Mahony's over-reaction - although it is not clear what relevance this had to O'Connor's infraction - and that O'Connor's action didn't constitute striking within the meaning of Rule 5.1 covering aggressive fouls in football: "To strike or attempt to strike an opponent with head, arm, elbow, hand or knee."
The finding is bound to create further uncertainty, as it leaves open to question whether slapping an opponent any longer constitutes a red-card offence. Since the end of July it has also become nearly impossible to suspend a player. Dublin's Colin Moran and Kerry's Marc Ó Sé have had their suspensions reversed while Paul Galvin had his original six-month suspension for abusing match officials halved, for reasons that have not yet been made public.
Cork hurler Tom Kenny will serve no suspension despite getting a four-week ban for flicking his hurl between the legs of Kilkenny captain James Fitzpatrick, as the provisions that originally required players to miss at least one match if suspended for four weeks have been softened and now O'Connor is seen to have escaped the consequences of the red card issued by referee Joe McQuillan.
Monaghan's Paul Finlay is the last player to serve the suspension he was given after exhausting the various processes available to players up as far as the GAA's independent appeals tribunal, the Disputes Resolution Authority. That was over a month ago. Reaction from Kerry has been critical, and the decision will create tension between the counties as it is the second time in three seasons this type of situation has arisen.
In 2006 Cork Anthony Lynch evaded the consequences of his red card on the grounds he had been reported for striking but had only attempted to strike - despite both actions being punishable by dismissal under Rule 5.1 Then as now, the Cork player was available for the replay whereas a Kerry centrefielder missed the match because of a red card. Darragh Ó Sé accepted his suspension without seeking a hearing this week and two years ago Kieran Donaghy also missed the replay in which Lynch played.
