It has been confirmed that Austin Gleeson has been cleared to play in the All-Ireland hurling final against Galway, and will face no further action for ripping off Luke Meade's helmet during Sunday's semi-final win over Cork.
As to whether he should be cleared is causing debate. It has cleaved this office apart: while nobody really wanted Gleeson to miss the final, if the GAA were to follow the rules they have set down, then Gleeson would have missed the final. The fact the CCCC have not ruled on the issue means that the referee felt he dealt with the incident at the time, by deeming it not worthy of awarding Gleeson a card. The rule, however, does seem harsh.
So as we argued for ages - comparison with Diarmuid Connolly took about three minutes to crop up, for anyone who is interested in these things - and GAA fans on Twitter have been equally divided.
Here's a portion of the reaction:
That's a farcical & dangerous decision from the GAA. Sets a huge precedent
— Derrick Lynch (@DLynchSport) August 15, 2017
The GAA is actually taking the piss at this stage. No bans for Donaghy, Cody, Gleeson or Keegan but 12 weeks for Connolly for nothing https://t.co/n4z3uSgnBg
— Baldy McStunnah (@Fearganainm) August 15, 2017
Disgraceful double standard. Still, I'm happy cos it improves the chances of my over-ambitious Waterford/Tyrone All-Ireland double. #COYBIW https://t.co/udiMvDzYCR
— Seánie (@seanieflanagan) August 15, 2017
Bitta common sense for once from the GAA boys. 👍 https://t.co/ZhUVnuUl0p
— Dave (@Furious_Dave) August 15, 2017
Austin Gleeson cleared. Great stuff. #GAA #GaillimhAbú
— Enda McHugh (@Ogie_Halfhand) August 15, 2017
1/2 A dangerous precedent set with the A. Gleeson incident. Rules exist which obviously can be bent depending on the individual & occasion
— Shane McCarthy (@shaneymac13) August 15, 2017
Delighted for Austin Gleeson. In my opinion no player should be suspended for an All Ireland Final, only in severe cases!
— Alan Flatley (@alflats11) August 15, 2017
So what do you think? Justice, or a dodgy precedent to set?
