Derry clubs hit with major sanctions

From rte.ie

11:28

Thursday, 9th October, 2008

Two Derry clubs, Slaughtneil and Ballinderry, have been hit with major sanctions following a series of incidents in the senior county football final on Saturday.

Slaughtneil have been banned from all adult competitions for a massive six months, while club members Raymond McCluskey and Danny McMullan have been hit 96 week bans.

Five other Slaughtneil members, including players Fergal and Francis McEldowney, were hit with 48 week bans and the club themselves have been handed a £5,000 fine. Slaughtneil will also have to play all adult games next year away from home.

So far Ballinderry selector Paul Devlin, who has been banned for two years, is the only member of that club to be punished but it is believed that the County Board investigation is continuing and more sanctions are likely.

Eyewitness reports say two press photographers were the victims of verbal and physical abuse following unsavoury scenes after the final whistle.

Both clubs have 72 hours to appeal the sanctions.