Neil McGee loses his appeal against Fermanagh red card

The Donegal full back is to sit out two games after ‘striking with the arm’ ban upheld

Referee Maurice Deegan sends off Donegal’s Neil McGee against Fermanagh. Photograph: Lorcan Doherty/Inpho
Referee Maurice Deegan sends off Donegal’s Neil McGee against Fermanagh. Photograph: Lorcan Doherty/Inpho

Donegal’s Neil McGee has lost his appeal against the red card and subsequent two-match ban picked up in the Ulster quarter-final win over Fermanagh.

The teak-tough fullback had his ban for ‘striking with arm’ upheld by the Central Hearings Committee on Tuesday night in Croke Park.

McGee was dismissed against Fermanagh when he turned over Sean Quigley in his own square - and while coming out with he ball his hand-off proved too high, and aggressive for the referee's liking.

The hearings committee found that this was a “repeat infraction” - and so a two game ban was applicable.

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Donegal have the option of taking the case to the Disputes Resolution Authority, yet on the basis that they do not - the ban will begin with Saturday's provincial semi-final against Monaghan. McGee would be the designated man marker for Monaghan's talisman Conor McManus and his loss would be sorely felt by the 2012 All-Ireland champions.