The charge is discrediting the association. The punishment is an eight week suspension. The reaction has been swift.
The CCCC's reported decision to ban Tiernan McCann for eight weeks is one of the most contentious things to have happened in the GAA for quite some time. Tyrone fans are livid, but even those who may have been critical of McCann's actions are suggesting that the extent of the ban is simply outlandish.
Many fans (not all of them Tyrone fans it must be said) have been quick to suggest that the understandable reaction to McCann's antics have been a deciding factor in the CCCC's decision.
Apparently it's now the Dublin media that run the GAA. The 8 week ban for Tiernan McCann is absolutely disgraceful. @RTEgaa Shame on you.
— Fergal Mallon (@fergalmallon) August 12, 2015
What a disgraceful decision to ban Tiernán McCann for 8 weeks for an offence that would merit a yellow/black card .. CCCC swayed by media
— Aaron (@AaronDonnelly14) August 11, 2015
There's also been quite a few people pointing out that this isn't the first time we've seen diving in the GAA. Here are three such examples that quickly come to mind.
@ballsdotie https://t.co/kpzELqGLUG
This was a few weeks ago. Of course no punishment was handed out.— Barry Doc (@barrydoherty54) August 11, 2015
@ballsdotie @officialgaa @TheSundayGame @TyroneGAALive can I have these 3 players banned for 8 weeks please and Rory beggan
— damian mc carroll (@mccarroll573) August 11, 2015
We've also seen quite a few inter-county players have also come to McCann's defence.
8 week ban for T McCann! No place for diving, but that seems harsh. Can see that being halved to 4.
— Donie Shine (@donie_89) August 11, 2015
In reality, it seems unlikely that the eight week ban will stick. However, even if that is the case, this issue doesn't look like it will be cleared up any time soon. And in all honesty, you have to think Mickey Harte may be loving this ammunition ahead of the All Ireland semi-final against Kerry.
